Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Live Theatre, Newcastle
ADAPTED from Alan Warner’s novel The Sopranos, Oscar-nominated Lee Hall (of Billy Elliot fame) brings us a rambunctious tale of six Catholic school girls on a trip to Edinburgh for a singing competition. The girl’s disobey strict rules and go for a night on the town; Our Ladies is a story of self-discovery with plenty of shocks and laughs along the way.
The play received mostly rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and it’s easy to see why. While being extremely rude and open about their scandalous sex lives (although it never becomes offensive), the sextet admit to not so perfect lives. Orla (Melissa Allan) discusses her life as a former cancer patient, Manda (Kirsty MacLaren) reveals her struggles since her father has been on the dole and Fionnula (Dawn Sievewright) makes a discovery about her sexuality. Every character has a complex story which lets the audience sympathise and feel their heartbreak which is why the play is so effective.
The singing is flawless, we get to hear six amazing voices. Martin Lowe’s (Once, Warhorse) musical arrangement is also to be praised – his version of Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry as a finale was breathtaking and the girls do it justice. While slightly too long, Our Ladies has sold out at Live Theatre and had the whole audience in fits of laughter and sadness. If you can get a ticket... take succour.
Runs until Saturday, October 24. For returns check live.org.uk or 0191-232-1232
Emily Craig
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