REVIEWS REVIEWS
Neil Simon has the ability to take a rehabilitated drunk and draw the emotions and love between a mother and daughter into a play that exhibits both a serious message and humorous dialogue. Despite low numbers in the audience, competing with an England football match, the cast still were able to create laughter and a response to their words and actions.
Relationships are important in the Gingerbread Lady, as Jimmy Perry, played by Jonathan Guy Lewis, anxiously prepares the apartment for the return of Evy Meara (Lesley Joseph) after her ten weeks rehabilitation in a sanatorium. Anxiety, as he is an "out of work" actor and because he does not know how to behave with Evy's arrival. A similar level of self-focus is created with Toby Landou, played by Miranda Foster, who concentrates on ensuring her everlasting beauty and only passes fleeting comments about Evy's trimmed figure. Both friends depart leaving Evy to cope on her own until the unexpected arrival of her daughter Polly (Sinead Keenan) who determines on staying in her mother's life. Roles reverse as Polly encourages Evy to be the mother who gave her the Gingerbread house for Christmas years before. The constant movements and fast humour by Evy, together with the consistent, gentle support of Polly builds a stronger relationship over three weeks and Evy is ready to meet her ex-husband and prepare a birthday party for Toby.
However, Evy's need to be wanted leads her back to a drink in a bar and she returns home elated and starts the preparations for the party. Rather than receiving support from her friends she listens to Jimmy's tale of the loss of his job and angrily takes a drink, then listens to Toby's tale of the pending divorce and continues drinking, using her intoxicated tongue to lash out at her friends. Her daughter walks away from the scene knowing that her mother is not cured. With the memory of a song haunting her Evy leaves the flat to meet Lou Tanner, an ex lover, played by Vincent Patrick.
When Evy returns to the apartment in the morning with a black eye from Lou, it is to anxious friends and Polly. Neither Toby or Jimmy can prevent Evy from continuing to drink, but the love and concern by Polly makes Evy reconsider and concludes with Evy taking an example of behaviour from Polly.
Under the direction of Mark Clements, with the exception of part of act two, the play keeps the audience well engaged with the evolving scenes and humour. The performances were solid but not outstanding, with the American voice being lost in angry or excited exchanges, but it was a good evening's entertainment. © JG
“Gingerbread Lady” is in Bath on the 21st of June until the 26th of June, 2004.
