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Picture: Mark Senior The Party Girls Malvern Theatres **** The Marlow theatre presents the sensational story of the Mitford sisters written by Amy Rosenthal and directed by Richard Beecham. Party girls tells the story of a family driven by political extremism in pre- war high society through the eyes of Jessica Mitford (Decca) who is the rebel of the family. Jessica tries to stay true to herself whilst moving further and further away from the values of her once beloved sisters. We meet the sisters when they are young, and although they seem like spoilt precocious brats there is a sisterly camaraderie between them . Soon we learn about their very differing ideals aspirations and political views. We first meet Jessica in 1942 when she runs into the charismatic Bob Treuhaft (played by Joe Coen). Jessica’s husband and the father of Dinky their daughter is missing and assumed dead. She and Bob, who is unashamedly Jewish develop a strong friendship. Meanwhile back at home with her sisters, tensions are arising due to their political distances. Nancy played by Kirsty Besterman aspires to be a celebrated novelist so is wrapped up in her writing. However, Diana played by Elizabeth Dermac Walsh and Unity played by Ell Potter fall for the dangerous charismatic leaders of the far right in Britain and Germany while Debo played by Flora Spencer Longhurst sets her cap at the duke. The cast visit the Jacobean manor house Asthall Manor in Oxfordshire, one of the Mitford sisters' childhood homes 2hich they moved to in 1919 Diana is controlling and probably responsible for her other sisters’ political views and for Unity’s extreme adulation for Hitler and all he stands for. She covers the walls with photos and memorabilia and she and Diana behave as if he is a family friend. Jessica becomes more attached to Bob but tries to resist real involvement because of the political climate of the time. She leaves him alone at a New Year's Eve party. /p> AAt home she is horrified at her sisters’ views especially the extreme views of Unity and her hostility towards the Jews. She and Unity have further arguments which eventually culminate in physical violence between them. Jessica’s horror at the treatment of the Jews in Germany and her friendship with Bob all bringing this to a head. This deeply thought – provoking and somewhat disturbing play is brought to you by an extremely strong cast with notable performances from Emma Noakes as Jessica and Joe Coen as Bob Treuhaft. This stunning play runs until Saturday 20sup>th September. Jane Lush 16-09-25 The sisters will be bringing their party to Birmingham Rep 6-11 October |
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