REVIEW: Di & Viv & Rose, Maskers Theatre Company, Maskers Studio Theatre, Shirley

Amelia Bullimore's play follows nearly 30 years in the fortunes and friendship of the three title characters, who meet when starting college together in the mid 1980s.

Vivid costumes and hits of the era draw us into the period, while a series of mostly very short scenes, often with a deft comedic touch, engage us in the relationship of these college girls, in a manner which the audience relate to very warmly.

Director Paul Green's cast play very well together - Ruth Kibble as Di, eager to establish herself as a rebel and lesbian, but keenly aware of the repressive influences at home waiting to trip her up, Leah Barlow as the ambitious Viv, sometimes snooty but in many ways most in need of the others' supportive friendship, and Kristina Wilde, in a particularly memorable performance, as Rose - foolish and feckless but irresistibly warm and enthusiastic.

Ham Quentin