Little Theatre
20th Feb 2023
Written by Gail Young
Presented by The Progressive Players
Directed by Muriel McGrath
Cast: Nicola Bache, Trish Turnbull, Dee Wilson, Jo Rendall, Jim McGrath, Maureen Duffy, Nathan Butterfield, Rosie Luffingham, Peter Jones
Bothered and Bewildered is a gentle, poignant play about two sisters, Beth (Dee Wilson) and Louise (Jo Rendall), struggling to with their mother developing alzheimer's. While they meet with consultants to discuss care plans and coping strategies, Irene (Maureen Duffy) is at home talking to her friend, Barbara Cartland. The main problem being, naturally, that Barbara (the sadly deceased World Famous Romantic Novelist) is a figment of Irene's imagination.
Being a deceased and imaginary friend in no way hinders Barbara (Nicole Bache) from advising Irene on all aspects of daily life, from what she should eat (no more than two eggs), to how she should write her memory book (in the style of a famous romantic novelist). Of course there is much confusion and consternation for Irene's daughters as they try to navigate their way through this obstacle course, with no idea that Barbara Cartland is behind most of it. 
These scenes are full of gentle humour, and are in complete contrast to the much more emotional and traumatic scenes in which Irene imagines intruders in the house, or makes accusations of cruelty against her daughters. We see the gradual realisation by Beth and Louise that not only is Irene incapable of looking after herself, but they themselves are not equipped to look after their mother.
Running throughout this play is the thread of Irene's memory - of a secret that she has kept all her married life and which finally begins to unravel as her daughters begin to sort out her belongings. Barbara has the last word, leaving us wondering what happens next!
A thought provoking play, which deals with a difficult subject with sensitivity and gentle humour, and anyone who has had to cope with a elderly parent will identify with many of the situations portrayed. Bothered and Bewildered runs until 25th February.
Denise Sparrowhawk
Photo credit: Mike Keir
No comments:
Post a Comment