Theatre Review - BLUE STOCKINGS, PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Written by Jessica Swale, Blue Stockings takes us to Cambridge in the late eighteen hundreds where we follow four spirited young women who want an education. Everything, and seemingly everyone, is against them, as they try to learn and hope the right to graduate, will be granted to them. The women’s frustrations are in contrast to the freedom of their male counterparts. It is strange and disquieting to think this world, where people fear women learning, becoming educated, could be so close to today. With International Women’s Day on Friday, this is the perfect production to attend right now.

 

Director Sam Hinton has created an intriguing production, using even the set to create a feeling of uncertainty and obligation – the characters themselves even have to move the walls, shelves, tables and chairs between, and within, scenes. The set (designed by Claire Leighton) was simple but ingenious, with university bookshelves spinning to create different interiors. The costumes (Julie Tucker and Jenny Davison) fitted the period nicely and set the tone of each character. The cast is sublime, each actor taking time to create believable and entertaining, if not always likeable, characters. I have not enough ink on the page to do justice to each member of the cast. Anna Dobson is fundamental as Elizabeth Welsh, the College’s Headmistress, as she fights constantly, making very tough decisions to keep pushing their cause forward. Ben Ostell as Will neatly conveyed a subtle change in his view of his family friend Tess and how she is treated by those around them. Luke Newey brought a wonderful wit to Edwards, even singing a charming ballad; a true natural on the stage. Sara Jo Harrison as Miss Blake showed the fire of a woman whose will for freedom could easily see her burned. Kirstie Corfield, as Ms Bott, took a sympathetic, knowing and humorous view of her charges. Lauren Aspery as Maeve broke my heart as the scholarship girl who wanted to learn, but ultimately proved it’s always money that buys freedom to choose. Lauren Allison presented the strength and humour of early bohemian Carolyn nicely. Ashton Matthews gave a gentle and subtle quality to the hard working, passionate Celia. Ginny Leigh revealed the innocence, hope, fire and a burning desire for life in protagonist Tess. An excellent production.

 

As the final curtain came, wave after wave of applause erupted as the true weight of this magnificent production sank in and brought forth more appreciation from its viewers.

Blue Stockings is showing at The People’s Theatre running until 9^th March.