Theatre review: Hindle Wakes, Octagon Theatre, Bolton

This is a delightful story that never loses its appeal no matter how many times it is re-told.
Sarah Vezmar as Beatrice Farrar, Tristan Brooke as Alan Jeffcote. Photo: Ian TiltonSarah Vezmar as Beatrice Farrar, Tristan Brooke as Alan Jeffcote. Photo: Ian Tilton
Sarah Vezmar as Beatrice Farrar, Tristan Brooke as Alan Jeffcote. Photo: Ian Tilton

One of the first plays to have a working class female central character, it was considered to be hugely controversial when first performed in 1912 because of how it showed women to have minds of their own. Set in the fictitious Lancashire town of Hindle at the end of Wakes Week, it is an amusing battle of the sexes and it is a joy to watch as the story unfolds.

When a theatre such as the Octagon takes on such a story it is bound to make for a good night’s entertainment and patrons’ expectations are certainly met here.

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Barbara Drennan excels in the role of Mrs Jeffcote while Tristan Brooke (playing Alan Jeffcote) and Colin Connor (Sir Timothy Farrar) continue to show their versatility in adapting seemingly effortlessly to whatever roles they are given.

The two young women who come out on top in this tale of matrimony and morals are Natasha Davidson (playing Fanny Hawthorn) and Sarah Vezmar (Beatrice) and we are all rooting for them – aren’t we chaps?

The play runs until March 21st with tickets available on 01204-520661.

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