Back remotegoat.co.uk - June 14 2010
by Katherine Gregor
“Remembering the Land Girls' Gift”
“He jilted us”, says Vera upon hearing the news of Winston Churchill’s death. Three other women, in different parts of the country, are also listening. “He jilted us”, repeats Vera, reminding those of us who lived through the Second World War, and telling those of us who did not, that it was not until 2008 that surviving members of the Women’s Land Army were finally decorated for their contribution to the war effort. However, this is the only accusation, the only expression of resentment. "Lilies on the Land" is not about recrimination, but celebration - the celebration of the human spirit of endurance and hope. After all, as all four women who gather at Churchill"s funeral agree, they would all do it all over again, without regret.
There is no glossy romanticism about the War years, in “Lilies on the Land”. The grinding reality of dirt, physical exhaustion, pain and privation, is conveyed so vividly by the four performers, that you feel as though you are experiencing it almost first hand. Based on letters and interviews with real-life former members of the WLA, the uncompromising energy of this production makes it clear that it is a labour of love on the part of director Sonia Ritter, and the four actresses who devised the show. It is a collage of episodes illustrating the lives of four Land Girls, who also represent four different facets of British women. Rosalind Cressy gives an earnest performance as the outspoken, academic, mannish Vera. Dorothy Lawrence breaks your heart as the vulnerable, put upon Geordie Margie. Sarah Finch is the upper class lady with a true sense of the fine and the beautiful. Ms Finch ensnares you with the subtlety and depth of her acting, but also makes you use your imagination by not giving everything away, and that is a real treat. Peggy is the all-heart Londoner. Kali Peacock imbues her character with earthiness, warmth, and displays impeccable comic timing. She is loveable from the start.
This piece is a perfect showcase for the histrionic multi-role playing talents of the Lions part company. Sonia Ritter’s direction is effervescent, and clearly highly respectful of the real-life women she presents on the stage.
Personally, I would have preferred more of a storyline, and I found the quick succession of brief episodes a little confusing, making it difficult for me, at times, to tell the four characters apart. Perhaps that is why I found myself wishing the show could be a few minutes shorter. However, this is a production that achieves exactly what it sets out to do. It is a glorious piece of theatre where heartbreak, fear and squalor are laced with humour, warmth and love. There was a great buzz of satisfaction in the audience. It also reminds us of a concept that has become almost alien in our current climate of personal entitlement - personal responsibility; and that is most refreshing.
