Chichester favourite, Penelope Keith, returns in a one-woman play based on the life of celebrated actress Mrs Patrick Campbell.
Fleeing from Paris in 1940, Mrs Pat finds herself stranded on Toulouse railway station (beautifully evoked by Simon Higlett’s set and projections) awaiting a connection to take her south.
This hiatus allows her to talk aloud to herself and her life through which the audience gains an insight of an incredible woman – a famous actress who pioneered the plays of Ibsen, a society figure who mixed with Wilde & Beardsley and was worshipped by Bernard Shaw for whom she created the part of Eliza Doolittle.
She is now seen at the end of her life, impoverished and trying to escape with her precious dog, Moonbeam.
Anton Burge’s script crackles with wit and humour and has Mrs Pat tossing out bon mots worthy of Oscar himself.
Keith is provided with a meaty role from which she squeezes every ounce of comedy.
Amidst all the laughter there are moments of emotional turmoil. The scene where she speaks of the death of her beloved son is full of sensitivity.
The lady provides her own epitaph. “I will only be remembered as a footnote to Shaw”.
Four stars
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