Act Reviews 2024 / 2025 Season

have the effect of allowing Jodie less opportunity for character development, although it was still not until the later scenes with Mercy that her true ability to manipulate was demonstrated by Jodie’s expressive facial expressions out to the audience, leaving us with no doubt as to her intention. Stacie Whittaker as Mrs Mercy Croft also gave us an interesting portrayal – there was no evidence of the niceties that we are led to believe she shows on Women’s Hour, instead she was thoroughly firm and no-nonsense (until it came to the later scenes with Childie). As an audience, we could feel her palpable frustration having to deal with June, the star who was manipulating her fame to cover for bad behaviour. We also get the impression that Mercy does recognise the vulnerabilities in June too and tries to support her (such as coming to listen to the funeral broadcast because, “I thought you would be alone”), despite her clipped accent, rather rigid posture and presentation indicating that warmth and sympathy might not come naturally to her. Mercy’s “rescue” of Childie and her comforting croon of “You’re my little girl now” show that Mercy’s character has a lot more going on behind this very controlled exterior, and I was left curious about what Stacie’s “backstory” for Mercy would be – I would be fascinated to hear about this! Marilyn McGinty as Madame Xenia brought brightness, levity and humour to the stage and raised multiple smiles and laughs from the audience. Her role as June’s friend helps the audience to see a different side to June, the “public” side, and Vivienne was able to show a whole other side to June when interacting with Marilyn. Madame Xenia also makes the audience wonder from an early stage whether there is more to Childie than meets the eye – is she just jealous of Childie’s relationship with June, or does Madame Xenia see the manipulative side to Childie? John Mills’ direction brought out four fully formed characters and a well-paced, well-rehearsed show. As you can tell, I found this production enjoyable and thought-provoking, and I was very pleased to hear that you had three sell-out nights for this run meaning that many others have been fortunate enough to come and experience it too. Thank you to all those involved and, as always, thanks to the Front of House team, led by manager Tristesse Johns, for their warm welcome. I am looking forward to returning to watch Drinking Habits!

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