The Bristol Old Vic’s
Autumn 2012 programme is shaping up to be an absolute blinder. Not one
of the shows I’ve seen so far has been a disappointment, and You’re Not Like
The Other Girls, Chrissy is easily my favourite so far.
Tucked away in the
downstairs Studio space of the building (‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore is in the main
theatre), Caroline Horton’s one-woman show is a joyous 60 minutes of feel-good
charm.
Based on the true
story of Caroline’s own grandmother Christiane, the true life element makes us
root for the protagonist even more. In 2002, Caroline helped her grandmother
move into sheltered housing and while packing up her things, Caroline
discovered a box of Christiane’s wartime letters. And they told her the story
of how her French grandmother met her English grandfather just before war
broke, how they were separated for the duration and how they fought to be
united six years later.
With no schmaltz,
You’re Not Like The Other Girls, Chrissy uses simple props (suitcases filled
with magic and music) and an exuberant performance to take us from Paris to
Cheadle, to the Isle of Wight and further afield. Echoing the feel of
Persephone Books’ hot-water-bottle novels (those that are ideal for indulging
with on a rainy afternoon, or as a pick-me-up), this play is a perfect example
of biographical storytelling, family history and world history.
Wartime romances may
be a topic that has never struggled with publicity, but it’s important for
audiences (especially younger ones) to remember that if we’re talking about
someone’s grandmother, we’re also talking about very recent history.
Caroline’s perfect
French really helps to bring the show to life, and her facial expressions must
be seen to be believed. She has great comic timing and had the audience in the
palm of her hand. Both my friend and I were wiping a tear from our eyes at the
end. I very much hope the Bristol Old Vic brings Caroline back with her future
productions.
You’re Not Like The
Other Girls, Chrissy is on at the Bristol Old Vic until October 27, and click here for info and to buy tickets. Caroline Horton’s website is here.
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