Writer Amanda Whittington confesses that she was no great lover of horseracing so it was something of a surprise to her when she was asked to write a play to commemorate the historic staging of Royal Ascot at York racecourse in 2005.
Her stance was to tell the tale of four ladies who normally work in a fish-packing factory who decide to put on their glad rags and spend a day at the races on the glamorous Ladies Day. The result is a hilarious piece of drama that is interspersed with heart-tugging scenes and a glimpse behind the ladies’ public mask to reveal their inner torment. And the play works because the characters are so believable.
Pearl (Kate Wood) is about to “wind down” – she refuses to say retire – and she decides that she and her work colleagues – Shelley (Annie Kirkman), Jan (Tanya-Loretta Dee) and Linda (Jo Patmore) – will celebrate the upcoming event by spending Pearl’s rainy day fund on a glam day out.
We have all met similar characters in our lives – mother hen Pearl, in your face Shelley, aloof Jan and shrinking violet Linda – who normally chatter about what they are having for tea and Shelley’s latest conquests. All changes once the posh hats are on and the champagne begins to flow.
The day almost ends before it has begun as the group realises the entry price is prohibitive but a stroke of luck sees them into the arena for their big day out. And once the champagne takes effect the inner person emerges from each of the characters.
Jan has devoted her life to her daughter after her husband walked out but, as university looms for her daughter, Jan is worried that she will be left alone. She carries a flame for a certain man but is unable to make her feelings known.
Shelley’s confidence is only skin-deep as she reveals that she has to hide from the bailiffs as her financial situation deteriorates. Her mission on the day is to find a wealthy man who will solve her problems and this quest almost leads to disaster.
Linda confesses that her predatory mother has returned and is bleeding her dry financially and she is unable to face up to her difficulties. In her naivety she believes she will bump into her idol Tony Christie. Highly unlikely, but she does find companionship from an unexpected source.
Finally, Pearl – the woman who has it all in the other girls’ eyes – reveals a secret love affair that has been going on for seven years. Even more surprisingly Pearl has used Jan as an unknown alibi. But Barry – a bookie – did not turn up for the latest date and Pearl hopes to find him to discover the reason why.
The ladies bump into a variety of men as they enjoy their day out. The whisky-guzzling lascivious TV star, the ticket tout out to make a huge profit, the disillusioned jockey, the out-of-luck punter and the elusive Barry. All of these are played by New Vic regular Gareth Cassidy who once again shows his versatility to great effect.
The cast are given a perfect script to perform with and there is clear evidence that the actors have bonded on stage exactly as their characters gel on their day out. The audience is rooting for them to succeed and there is an outpouring of love and thanks from the onlookers as this superb feelgood production reaches its finale.
Has Shelley found the wealthy man she needs? Who is Linda’s unlikely suitor? Will Jan find it within herself to approach the man of her dreams? What did happen to Barry? And will the ladies strike it lucky and win that fortune on the Tote?
Bear in mind that horse-racing is all about winners and losers with second-best being quickly forgotten. What is certain is that this play – jointly produced with the Octagon Theatre, Bolton – is a racing cert to make its way into the winning enclosure. Ladies Day is a great night out and well worth a flutter of anyone’s money. Don’t be a loser by missing out on a fantastic start to 2023 at the New Vic.
The show continues until February 25th and has a running time of 2hours 10 minutes including interval. For ticket information contact 01782 717962 or tickets@newvictheatre.org.uk
