LITTLE GEM

RAODS

The Plaza, Romsey

Three generations of Dublin women, tell the story of their recent emotional turmoil, largely triggered by their absent men. They deliver interlinked monologues, in this emotionally labile script that twangs the heart strings, soothes the soul and celebrates the strength of women.

It is impossible not to care about the trio; Matriarch, Kay (Janet Courtice) is doing her best to cope following her husband’s stroke, but she misses what they had. Her daughter, Lorraine (Beverley Siddle) suffers from depression and OCD, having been abandoned by her feckless junkie of a husband, and her bright-eyed teenage daughter, Amber (Becky Mills) is enjoying life in a way that is clearly going to end in tears.

The cast get under the skin of the characters and intertwine and express themselves with great dexterity, making the ordinary interesting. Directed by Janet Féat, this is a little gem of a show.

Rebecca Case