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REVIEW: Women on the Verge of HRT at the Devonshire Park Theatre
I HAVE nothing against Daniel O'Donnell (with an Irish mother, I was brought up listening to the twinkly eyed crooner), I have nothing against growing old, nothing against wrinkles (have plenty) or the onset of 'the change'.
I have nothing but the utmost respect for talented actors Louise Jameson, who runs drama colleges and encourages new writing, and Janet Dibley, an Eastbournian who is always a pleasure to see on screen.
However, I do have something against going to the theatre and instead of coming out feeling like I have been entertained, feeling disappointed and let down.
The story is about two Northern Ireland women Vera and Anna, both the wrong side of 40 with husband troubles, who during a trip to Donegal to see their idol Daniel O'Donnell come face to face with the realities of life – loveless marriages and the menopause.
The two confront their fears and realise that life doesn't have to end when HRT begins.
EastEnders star Jameson puts in a good performance as Vera as does Dibley with her portrayal of Anna and the show is helped admirably along by Aidan O'Neill as Fergal, a handsome waiter who helps both women come to terms with 'that time of their lives'.
But – aside from O'Neill who is Tipperary born – the women both struggle with the Irish accents throughout the show, which in my opinion was not the 'hilarious' and 'racy' production it promised to be.
It was not the fault of Jameson and Dibley that the story was a bit weak and I got the distinct impression from other members of the audience they were expecting something similar to the all-singing all-dancing comedy of Menopause the Musical which graced the Devonshire Park stage last month.
I appreciate this was meant to be a light comedy with a sometimes painful look into the lives of women on the verge. But after enduring 80 minutes, Women on the Verge of HRT left me on the verge of doom and gloom.
• Tickets are available for tonight (Friday) and tomorrow's performance from the box office on 412000.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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