A Gathering of Voices
A circle of women gather weekly around a piano in a plain room, engaging in what appears to be a routine choir practice. However, this diverse assembly of individuals has convened not just for the love of singing, but to connect as lesbians and to pursue a dream: performing on the grand stage at a Pride festival in a national contest.
Chasing Dreams with Humor and Music
Iman Qureshi’s play, infused with both humor and musical elements, charts a classic ‘underdog’ story akin to beloved tales like The Full Monty or Calendar Girls. The narrative is both jubilant and inspiring, managing to capture a broad audience while authentically addressing the lives and experiences within the lesbian and queer communities.
Dynamic Characters and Engaging Performances
The direction of Hannah Hauer-King brings to life characters that are humorously portrayed yet steer clear of becoming stereotypes. Each character is endearing and displays depth as their personal stories unfold. Shuna Snow delivers a delightful performance packed with physical comedy in her role as the choir’s conductor and the Older Wiser Lesbian (OWL). Leah Harvey portrays Lori with a nuanced touch, a woman still partly hidden in the closet. Georgie Henley’s portrayal of Lori’s partner, Ana, strengthens as the plot progresses. The chemistry between Fi, played by Liz Carr, and Bridget, portrayed by Mariah Louca, evolves beautifully from delightful to complex due to ideological differences. Fanta Barrie captivates as the group’s charismatic flirt, and Serena Manteghi adds charm as Dina, whose subplot of being in a controlling heterosexual relationship is the only narrative thread that feels slightly underdeveloped. Zak Ghazi-Torbati, who performs all the male roles, adds a layer of comedic flair to the production.
The first hour of the drama skillfully handles interpersonal conflicts and tensions, which, although minor, resonate deeply like paper cuts. The play balances sentimentality without tipping into over-sentimental or manipulative territory, skillfully weaving serious moments with light-hearted ones. The characters confront each other’s differences with humor and light-hearted critiques, from old-fashioned language to the rigidity of political correctness, even playfully addressing the topic of pronouns.
Songs That Transform and Transcend
The musical numbers in the play range from humorous – notably in a unique blend of Bizet, Charli XCX, and Lady Gaga – to deeply emotional and breathtakingly beautiful a cappella pieces, enhancing the overall enchanting atmosphere of the play.
A Bold Shift in Tone
After the intermission, the play takes a dramatic turn, shifting its focus more directly towards discussing the identities and sexualities of the women, from the diminishing public spaces for lesbians to everyday experiences of homophobia. A pivotal moment arises concerning trans identity that profoundly impacts the choir, marking a significant shift in the narrative’s direction.
Despite its earnest exploration of these themes, the play never allows its commitment to authenticity to overshadow the drama. The storytelling remains central, effectively capturing the heart of the audience with a mix of silliness, sweetness, and seriousness. Following its initial debut at Soho Theatre in 2022, this production at the Kiln Theatre marks its second run, with the hope that it will continue to touch audiences in future renditions.
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
