After bursting onto the local theatrical scene last year with two stunning productions (The Blue Remembered Hills, The Thirty Nine Steps) Dan Branch’s Different Animal has moved the goalposts again and given us something more challenging in the way of Amanda Whittington’s acclaimed, hard-hitting portrayal of the realities of early sixties’ teenage love in the form of unwanted pregnancies and disgraced young mothers-to-be.
Set to a girlie soundtrack of period hits some of us will easily remember, the poignant lyrics celebrating innocent puppy romance here take on ironic, deeper meanings as the hyperbolic heartbreak of the tunes refers instead to the real-life trauma of giving birth in a society which simultaneously celebrates young love and in these pre-pill days condemns its often unfortunate results.
Hannah Wyss is wonderful as the posh girl out of her depth in every way who has a crash course in growing up, while Sarah Stanley brings all her considerable stage experience to bear on the role of her mother who though tortured by love for her offspring is forced into agonising action by convention.
Frankie Leonard as rough diamond Queenie is nothing short of a find who I hope to see a lot more of in the future, while Ellie Galvin as Dolores evokes an irresistibly protective reaction with her portrayal of a child being forced to grow up much too soon.
Hannah Davies proves herself yet again as a thoroughly accomplished player with her portrayal of Norma who shoulders her burdens in a realistic but endearingly philosophical way.
But even in this distinguished company special mention must go to Amanda Robinson in an uncharacteristically mature role as the chilling matron of the girls’ home who has her own poignant secret. Sublime.
Catch this wonderfully grown-up production while it’s still available.
Be My Baby runs until tomorrow (April 20).For tickets phone the box office on 01543 412121 or go online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com.
