As I take my seat at the Bristol Old Vic, I wonder how a book that is essentially a memoire of sexual encounters can be put on stage and deliver a great story. This play, in fact, is based on John Cleland’s book Memoirs of a Woman, which tells the infamous life of Francis Hill, a prostitute in 18th century London, first published in 1748 and then repeatedly banned for obscenity.
The star is Caroline Quentin – together with the rest of a truly committed cast – taking centre stage to give the audience a remarkable show. The brilliancy of this production is on the use of language and theatrical scenes that are never rude or controversial, using instead euphemisms, metaphors, gags and highly funny choreographies.
The cast, which also includes Phoebe Thomas and Gwyneth Keyworth, is much focused and each one of the actors seems entirely in love with the script and the characters they play. They all manage to convey a rather poignant and intimate story in a subtle way. They tell a story of sex, love, voyeurism, but they also show the harsh reality of women that turn to sex work out of necessity rather than pleasure.
The busy and flexible set, the folk music and the costumes all come together in a hugely eclectic and exciting play. This is a very enjoyable piece of theatre that made me laugh, giggle and think. The echoes from this play will stay with me for a long time.
Review by Elena Mozzato