The Stage

Mail Order Bride

Published Friday 22 October 2004 at 14:35 by Jenny Ryan

In this new production, Kevin Shaw and Alison Heffernan bring the events of Spring 1994 at Starfits Farm to the Coliseum, where Martin awaits the arrival of Filipino Maria, much to his sister’s disgust.

Whilst it would benefit from having fewer scenes, the production is excellently paced and never feels static. Thanks to great lighting by Phil Davies, the scenes in this single location are never repetitive and there is a real sense of the exterior’s exposed position. Subtle nods towards modern living - a vacuum cleaner by the door, a computer tucked under the stairs - are added to a classic farmhouse kitchen by designer Heffernan. Until the eye falls on these details, the period could be any in the last century, giving an apparently straightforward design an added dimension.

Director Shaw elicts good performances from his experienced cast, in particular local favourite Russell Dixon as the gruff yet romantic farmer Martin. Also Lorraine Bruce as taciturn June, whose fleeting outbursts about her daughter are especially touching. Outstanding, however, is Gina Respall as the bride of the title in her first non-musical stage role in the UK. Her convincing portrayal of Maria is a world away from the subservient doll image stereotypical of the mail order bride.

From the moment Maria arrives at Starfits she is headstrong, witty, clever and utterly sympathetic, even when she threatens to cut out sour faced Ivy’s ovary with scissors. Respall makes the show, and it is worth seeing for her performance alone.