Lilies On The Land
Written and Developed by The Lion's Part
Directed by Carol Bailey
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I was really looking forward to seeing this play, especially as it co-incides with the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War 2.
The first thing I noticed was the stunning landscape showing rolling green hills and animals – just like round here really. Plus there was music from the era playing – I love Glenn Miller!
The play, chosen and directed by Carol Bailey, tells the story of land girls memories.
The six characters portrayed admirably by Ruth Dodsworth, Debbie Forsyth, Joyce Liggins, Claire Prescott, Moira Siara and Sally Smith worked together so, so well. A couple of the girls assumed different characters very skilfully. The girls obviously came from all kinds of background – from working class to upper class – which came across beautifully.
The backstage team did a great job too – a real chuckle went round the theatre when the cow and the tractor appeared – very clever. The simplicity of the stage set just worked – a milk churn, a sack and 4 crates which served multiple purposes.
Great idea to include a few songs too – all of them very familiar but in some cases with the words changed to fit the land girls theme – brilliant!
A while ago I watched a television series on Land Girls, but this play seemed more real. I felt as if I was part of a very special reunion with all the shared memories. It was fantastic to hear about the exploits of the land girls, their hard work, comradeship and sense of humour.
It was funny, poignant and emotional – a play we all thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you all so much for this wonderful production, and particularly to Carol for her directorship of it.
Review by Ellie Jackson
Photographs by Jerry Harvey