Park Theatre – until 13 January. Reviewed by Claire Roderick
5*****
Jolly japes abound in this fantastic production of Denise Deegan’s uplifting and joyful comedy.
It’s the 25th anniversary of Grangewood School for Girls, and the Upper Fourth have been chosen to present their play (in two acts) Daisy Pulls It Off. Whether you grew up voraciously reading stories about schoolgirl scrapes at boarding schools or not, this play is perfect festive entertainment.
The plot, about scholarship girl Daisy’s efforts to fit in, despite the sneaky snobbery and spite of some classmates, is as daft as a brush, and could be straight out of an Enid Blyton book. As well as the social snobbery, there’s the plucky best pal, the school toady, a mysterious Russian teacher in cahoots with the school gardener, and a treasure hidden in the school grounds. The social and gender politics of the characters are lampooned mercilessly, but with a light touch, and the cast’s silent reactions to Daisy’s final speech about equality in education are a joy to behold.
With the cast playing schoolgirls acting in a play, the comedy acting is broad, but sweet, with an air of enthusiastic innocence that evokes the pressure cooker feeling of every school play you’ve ever seen. Anna Schaffer’s stage debut as Daisy is a triumph, surrounded by a cast like this, she must be having a ball. Pauline McLynn as best friend Trixie is a hoot – full of dramatic poses and exquisitely performed overacting. Melanie Fullbrook and Lucy Eaton are hysterical in their multi-accented roles – with Eaton’s insane intonation as Miss Gibson never failing to cause huge laughs. Freddie Hutchins as Head of English playing Belinda and Mr Scoblowski is terrifyingly energetic – especially in the hockey match – nailing the frustrated acting ambition of the teacher. Shobna Gulati’s cut glass vowels as sneaky Sybil must be heard to be believed, and Clare Perkins steals every scene as toady Monica with her often-wordless reactions to proceedings, and when she comes on as Mr Thompson… words fail me! Just brilliant.
Paulette Randall’s clever direction means that this is the most professionally shambolic production you’ll ever see, with the dramatic and rib-tickling cliff rescue set piece garnering huge applause. Libby Watson’s simple but glorious set – everything drawn in chalk on blackboards – adding to the school production atmosphere.
Daisy Pulls It is fantastic family fun – a wonderful Christmas treat that will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.