Written and performed by Jude Bowler, WORKING CLASS SHEILAS is a show about four women or the four stages of one woman – for women. When a young woman returns home to collect some of her childhood things, her parents have left for the weekend and she spends the time reflecting on her life. This is where the audience is allowed into her world and into the lives and stories of four women.
The stage is centred by a stripper pole, surrounded by boxes. These boxes hold the costumes for each of Bowler’s characters. This is a clever and functional move that allows her to slip between the characters with ease. The lighting is simple and effective allowing the stories to be the focal point.
Bowler’s characters resemble people we already know. The one with the most interesting profession is “Waylene” who has the rare expertise of being a nipple reader. Yes…you read correctly.
Whilst the writing is fluid and Bowler sustains her characters consistently, there was really no great emotion in the writing to draw audience focus or empathy. The piece developed a gentle hum that seemed to wash over the audience.
The show could have had minutes shaved off it without compromising the narrative. Perhaps that’s a better description of this show – a narrative. It wasn’t a story. It’s depth of dialogue was lost in physical translation. Nevertheless, Bowler writes good character material.
Check out Working Class Sheilas at the Cleveland St Theatre this Thursday, 23 September.
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I disagree with the review completely. To say there was “really no great emotion” I can only assume the reviewer did not see the show I saw. Either that or they were one of the lucky few to live a golden childhood, you know, like the Cosby Show or similar. As Bowler unveiled layer after layer of her emotional upbringing I personally could relate to most things she had experienced, and as such could feel the sadness emanating off the stage. Perhaps some credit also needs to be given to Bowlers ability to transition from a re-enactment of a dark part of her life into one of her outragous characters and back again as the story required. I obviously do not have the experience or breadth of knowledge that the reviewer possesses when it comes to theatre but from a laymans perspective this was a show that took you on a rollercoaster of emotions. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone, and have done so to many of my friends.
Darryl,
Thank you for your comment. I am glad you enjoyed the performance and felt engaged with the performer. On the night though I didn’t. Fringe Festival is fantastic in that we get to see so many wonderful pieces of theatre. I am thankful I got to see this and hope that many others enjoy it as much as you seemed to.
Regards,
Duncan