Ladies Day – Octagon Theatre

Ladies Day, a play by Amanda Whittington, is a delightful and engaging production that had me thoroughly entertained from start to finish. I had the pleasure of seeing the play at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton, and it was an absolute joy to watch.

The play tells the story of four women who work at a fish processing plant in Hull and decide to take a day off to go to the races. As they prepare for the big day, they share their hopes, dreams, and struggles with each other, forming a bond that transcends their working-class backgrounds.

One of the things that struck me about this play was how well the characters were developed. Each of the four women had a distinct personality and backstory, and I found myself invested in their lives and rooting for them to achieve their goals. Their interactions were both funny and poignant, and I was impressed by how skilfully the playwright wove together their individual stories into a cohesive whole.

Another highlight of Ladies Day was the acting. The four actresses who played the main characters were all excellent, bringing nuance and depth to their performances. They had great chemistry with each other, and I was particularly impressed by how well they conveyed the emotional range of the play, from moments of hilarity to moments of heartbreak.

The set design and costumes were also noteworthy. The stage was transformed into a lively and colourful racecourse, complete with a giant screen displaying the race times and odds. The costumes were fun and stylish, perfectly capturing the excitement and glamour of a day at the races.

While Ladies Day primarily focuses on the four female characters, there is also a male actor (Gareth Cassidy) who plays a significant role in the play. One of the characters he plays is Patrick, and he is a jockey who the women meet at the races.

Patrick is a charming and charismatic character who provides a romantic interest for one of the women, Linda (Jo Patmore). He is witty and quick on his feet, and his banter with Linda is both funny and flirtatious. However, as the play progresses, we see that there is more to Patrick than meets the eye. He is struggling with his own personal demons, and his interactions with Linda and the other women help him confront his own issues and find a way forward.

I thought Cassidy did an excellent job of bringing the character to life. He had great chemistry with the women and was able to convey both the humour and the pathos of the role. His scenes with Linda were particularly engaging, and I found myself invested in their relationship and rooting for them to overcome their obstacles.

While Patrick is a supporting character in Ladies Day, he is an important part of the play’s overall narrative. His presence adds depth and complexity to the story, and his interactions with the women help to further develop their characters.

Overall, I highly recommend Ladies Day to anyone looking for a fun and uplifting night at the theatre. It’s a feel-good play with a big heart, and it left me with a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. The Octagon Theatre in Bolton was the perfect venue for this production, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to see it there. If you get a chance to see Ladies Day, don’t miss it!

Ladies Day is playing at Bolton Octagon until 1st April. For more information visit – https://octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/ladies-day/

Reviewer: Brian Madden

Reviewed: 9th March 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★