Beryl, The Witham, Barnard Castle
JUST once in a while a piece of theatre goes the extra mile, and this one does it on four racing bikes, with bells on – and I mean that from every angle.
Why I’ve never heard of Beryl Burton I can’t really fathom. Well, actually I can figure it out, but it wasn’t anything to do with this gutsy woman; more to do with the apathetic British sports authorities not recognising or supporting cycling as a serious sport in the 1950s and 1960s when Beryl was breaking records; some of which still stand today.
This is physical theatre at its best from West Yorkshire Playhouse, written by the famously fearless actress Maxine Peake, and a fine piece of word-smithing it is too. Peake has captured the humour and the tough Yorkshire spirit in Beryl’s story, which spans her 25-year career as a competitive cyclist, housewife and mother; oh and rhubarb farmer.
Actress Samantha Power is incredible as Beryl and equally amazing are Matthew Ganley, Lee Tomes and Rebecca Ryan. All four inject heart and soul into the trials and tears of this inventive production, thoughtfully directed by Rebecca Gatward.
I can see this production wheeling into the West End as part of Britain celebrating next year’s Rio Olympics. I hope it does, then Beryl would be on the podium of posthumous glory, and she and this stunning production would get the recognition they deserve.
Beryl is touring throughout the country and will be at Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre from Oct 28 to 31 (sjt.uk.com). For more details beryltour.co,uk
Helen Brown
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