RAODS, Cheshire Cats, Linden House Gardens 

“Cheshire Cats” tells the story of a group of women training and then walking the London Moonwalk in aid of breast cancer charities.

The play is a wonderful mixture of laughter and sadness and the five women in the team were all excellent in their different ways. Hilary, the team leader, played by Georgette Ellison, was bossy and over enthusiastic, determined to be a winner. Vicky (Clare Durham), Maggie (Becky Mills), Siobham (Kathrina Gwynne), and Yvonne (Danielle Fletcher) made up the rest of the team and their reasons for taking part were gradually revealed.

Harry Andreou multitasked as Andrew, Vicky’s new man, then as an over the top fitness instructor and finally as a rather gorgeous drunk that the women met on their midnight walk around London. I must also mention Colin Russell and Jane Hartley as the scene changers. With a few props and a few well chosen words they transported us to the next scene with great style and much laughter.

Neil Gwynne’s direction brought out both the comedy and the pathos. The characters were very believable, at times full of fun and laughter, but also showing the difficult parts of their lives. Maggie’s final speech was exceptionally moving and it was hard to hold back the tears.

Mr. and Mrs. Oldmeadow must be thanked for allowing RAODS to use their beautiful garden for this open air production. Linden House was the perfect setting for this amusing and emotional play.

Margaret Fields