Iris Summer Festival, Covent Garden – until 10 July 2021
4****
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
Tanya Bridgeman’s debut play is an emotional and witty exploration and celebration of the women whose stories shape us. Granddaughter has made a brave leap of faith to begin a new life, but is unable to follow through, struggling with self-doubt, uncertainty about her Irish-Bajan identity, depression and using a coping mechanism that evolved from a childhood story. A phone call from Granny opens the flood gates as memories of her grandmothers and their stories and advice help Granddaughter find her strength and her place in the world.
Granny’s stories of leaving Ireland and coming to London with her sisters are full of whimsy, and hope, and Gran Gran’s Bajan history paints a picture of a fiercely independent woman determined to follow her dreams.
Tanya Bridgeman performs her play with such passion that you can’t help but love these characters. The lyrical language flows enchantingly, whether it is homespun advice from the older women or gleeful asides about shoes from Granddaughter. The emotional rollercoaster Bridgeman takes you on is exhilarating – with laugh out loud moments and quiet anguish all delivered in an unshowy, natural performance that is remarkable.
The London weather has made the garden of St Paul’s church particularly green and lush this year, enhancing the staging of this play, with the lighting change for the Barbados scenes wonderfully effective and evocative. Director Alex Miller and designer Charlotte Dennis have done wonders in a space that could be tricky, with Bridgeman’s use of the stage area drawing the audience into the story brilliantly.
The stories of the strife and triumphs of the two women as they arrive in London in the 1950s and face prejudice that they overcome with creativity and determination are inspiring and uplifting – Gran Gran’s description of the changes in her street after they, the first black family, moved in are glorious. These are the histories that we need to hear, and Bridgeman’s heartfelt tribute is a joy.
Iris Summer Festival continues until 22 August. Further show details at https://iristheatre.com