Female Transport
Studio Theatre, Salisbury
In Steve Gooch's raucous play we share a six month voyage aboard HMS Juliana with a group of female convicts, under the 'care' of a Surgeon (Anthony von Roretz) whose concern for the inmates is paper thin, the aloof but canny Captain (Colin Hayman), and the cruel and sadistic Sarge - a frightening performance from James Paterson.
It seems some audience members have found the swearing this play contains hard to take but this, along with the many layered, precarious looking set (by Tim Greathead and Studio members) adds to the frenzied atmosphere of the piece, so that any moment of honesty, humour or passionate feeling becomes more moving.
Tim Greathead's cast acts with honesty and commitment, with a fine performance from Samantha Luckman as Nancy, Sally Marshall's singing and acting as Madge, Sophie Townsend's fragile Pitty, and three promising debuts - Elisabeth Roberts' Winnie, Marie-Claire Wood's intriguing but underwritten role, Charlotte, and great work by Eleanor Boag as the mercurial Sarah, who attracts but proves too much for young crewman Tommy (Teddy Woolgrove).
Ham Quentin
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