Theatre Royal, York – until 28th May 2022
Reviewed By Katie Goldsbrough
3***
Red Ellen tells the story of Labour MP Ellen Wilkinson, one of the first MPs in the country. The play starts with Ellen already a member of the labour party with big dreams about ending fascism, poverty, unemployment etc. Beginning in the 1930s and continuing until Ellens death in 1947 with learn of her involvement with the Communist party and her journey to become Labour MP for Jarrow where she helps organise the Jarrow Crusade. We see her visiting Spain during the Spanish civil war and Berlin just before the second world war. She then finds herself in charge of air raid shelters, visiting women during the Blitz and suffering her own personal tragedies. She becomes overworked, trying to help everybody and keep her personal life in check.
Caroline Birds play is based on facts but also some educated guesses as Ellen’s personal papers were all burned after her death. In the play she is seen having affairs with multiple married men including Russian Spy Otto (Sandy Batchelor) and government minister Herbert (Kevin Lennon). Ellen is played by Bettrys Jones who has to deal with a very fast paced show, barely leaving the stage for the almost 3-hour performance. It would have been nice to see more of a focus on what Ellen achieved during her political career with some of the information about her personal life, which was more speculation cut down.
With costume changes taking place on stage with the cast doubling as stage hands and playing different characters, the play is a little disjointed in places with some parts being difficult to follow but the story it interesting and shows the passion of Ellen Wilkinson and her desire to change the world. Before seeing this play I had no knowledge of Ellen Wilkinson or what she did, her’s is definitely a story which should be shared.