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Gertrude's Secret Review
Apr 3, 2009
Gertrude’s Secret
Darlington Civic Theatre
Gertrude’s Secret is a set of monologues performed by five actors. Each monologue is a separate story giving an insight into the life of the character, often with bizarre and unexpected twists.
Over the years I have not been a great fan of monologues, though I think recently with better quality scripts and high quality acting I am beginning to appreciate them much more.
With this excellent script by Benedick West and a talented cast it was not long before I realised I was in for a great evening of entertainment.
The stories range from the dark and disturbing as Emily, played by Sarah Lloyd, waits in an Amsterdam hotel room for the return of her father. To the funny yet poignant story of Eric, played by Peter Whitfield, the pensioner who is never satisfied with any of his purchases and returns his shopping which includes Red Leicester cheese because it is orange. His story though does emphasise his loneliness.
The highlight of the evening was definitely Prunella Scales, as Gertrude, waiting for her daughter to phone with birthday wishes we find out about her life before her secret is finally revealed. Pure quality.
A J Harrison