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The Bitches Ball

Published Friday 24 November 2006 at 18:15 by Evelyn Curlet

Inspired by a portrait by Joshua Reynolds, the newly formed physical theatre company Penny Dreadful have created a play based on the life of famous actress, poet and courtesan Mary Robinson (1757-1800). Born in poverty, she rose to fame as a great stage actress and became the first mistress of the Prince of Wales before suffering paralysis at the age of 26. Undefeated, Mary went on to write prolifically, earning the title of ‘The English Sappho’.

The story of this fascinating character deserves to be heard and Penny Dreadful do a fine job of bringing Mary and her era to life. With a versatile and inventive set, the five-strong cast switch between characters and scenes with verve, creating a world that is grotesque, surreal, comic and poignant. The larger than life characters work well in a period known for its overblown costumes and attraction to artifice - snobby aristocrats, bumbling royal advisors, ink-stained journalists and wanton libertines pepper the stage. Mira Dovreni is charming in the role of Mary, moving fluidly between innocence, mischief and desperation. Ian Street’s characterisation of the Prince of Wales is a whining and hilarious joy to watch. Pascale Straiton has natural comic timing and great stage presence as both Malden and the elocution teacher, while Bernadette Russell and Sarah Ratheram play a variety of roles with panache.

The piece as a whole could do with a little tightening and polish to make it as slick as possible but this is a minor criticism of a show that is undeniably entertaining and innovative.

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