THEATRE REVIEWS

We start with a stuffed Pekinese dog, which takes centre stage with the lead actor and sums up the play. This play is based on Stella Tanner, who married Patrick Campbell, making a name for herself on the London stage in the first half of the 20th century, and with the men who were silly enough to be fooled by her charms off the stage; some big names here.

The bitty play, displaying tableaux against dingy, large, back stage doors to give the atmosphere of the time and place. Various well known personages make their appearance as the play weaves its way to its conclusion. Most notable is George Bernard Shaw, played with great realism by Phillip Joseph, who has to put up with the tantrums of Mrs. Pat, played by Isla Blair, who shows the many sides of the character.

Pam Gems tries to get together this plot showing the snippets that are available about the life of Mrs. Patrick Campbell and weave them into a play, but even after the effort, what transpires is still a lot of small scenes that do not hang together as a whole. The play will not endear you to Mrs. Pat or her manner; she is overpowering and full of her own importance. However, director Sue Dunderdale tries her best with the material on hand. The music drowns out the dialogue at times and is becoming a common fault these days.

The evening will give you an insight into the woman's character and her contemporaries, but do not expect more than a brief glimpse. © BA

“Mrs. Pat ” is at York from the 13th March to the 1st April, 2005 and then touring. This is a No Smoking theatre. Council car parking charge £2 visitor and £1 resident from 6pm until Midnight.