The Maids – Unity Theatre

Inspired by the late Graeme Phillips, finessed by director Elinor Randle, and produced by Peter Ward, That Theatre Group CIC’s production of Jean Genet’s The Maids, translated by David Rudkin, is a masterly tour de force and a fitting tribute to a man who did so much for theatre in Liverpool.

With their mistress (Jane Hogarth) away, two male maids, Solange (Samuel Perez Duran) and Claire (Cameron McKendrick) plunge into their darkest fantasies, in a twisted game, simmering with sexual tension, unravelling questions of modern slavery, gender identity, and power. The result is an absurd world where boundaries between reality and performance dissolve.

Genet’s play was written in 1946 and, drawing upon a real-life murder case, critiqued the social and sexual hierarchies of the time through themes of identity, class, authority, and desire. Turn the proverbial kitchen clock forward some eighty years and this production, through a participatory programme with Afloat, a company of refugees and asylum seekers led by Phoebe McSweeney, clearly highlights that the ‘maids’ of today remain subjected to oppression, isolation, and incarceration.

Randle draws upon her physical theatre pedigree to fuse opera, spectacle and movement as parallels and realities collide to the crescendo of drama and tension orchestrated through the resounding tones of Bizet’s Habanera and Toreador Song from Camen whilst capturing the avant-garde style of the original through Ashley Shairp’s lavish yet transformational set – complete with gladioli – that aligns perfectly with Phil Saunder’s inspired lighting design which in turn seamlessly moves the action along.

Duran delivers a captivating portrayal of Solange with a fine acting performance full of charm and cynicism whilst McKendrick captures perfectly the duality of Claire: strong on the one hand yet vulnerable on the other but always chilling: together they combined with great chemistry and choreography. Hogarth has the least time on stage, but the impact is huge as the true nature of her character comes through with a performance that embellished the French-style of the original with all too recognisable behaviours redolent of modern-day Britain.

That Theatre Group CIC produces work with and for older people living in care and much more besides. Further details https://www.thattheatregroup.org/

Unity Theatre is open to everybody to be inspired and entertained, and to enjoy outstanding live experiences, up-close. Further details and upcoming productions at https://www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/

The Maids performs again on Thursday 16^th October at 3pm and 7.30pm. Further details and tickets at https://www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/whats-on/the-maids/

This production is dedicated to the memory of Graeme Phillips, who died of complications related to Parkinson’s and Lewy Body dementia in August of this year.

Reviewer: Mark Davoren

Reviewed: 15^th October 2025

North West End UK Rating: