WEST END GIRLS

Written by Ken Duncum
Based on the Bestselling book by Barbara Tate
Directed by David O’Donnell

at Circa One, Wellington
From 4 Aug 2012 to 1 Sep 2012

Reviewed by: Ewen Coleman (The Dominion Post); John Smythe; Lynn Freeman (Capital Times);

A true story – eye-opening, hilarious and moving – of love, life, laughter and sex.

Barbara, an innocent and lonely young woman, finds a friend and the learning experience of a lifetime when she takes a job as a prostitute's maid, and meets impossible, adorable, self-destructive Mae, the Queen of Soho. The tumultuous and poignant friendship at the heart of this spellbinding tale drives a true story of adventure, survival and growing up, told with honesty and real heart.

"West End Girls is a memory play," says director David O'Donnell, "taking us with humour and humanity into the surreal world of past images mixed with imagination. We aim to make a beautiful piece of theatre to match the spirit of Barbara Tate's vivid memoirs."

Adult Themes. Content may offend.

Starring: Victoria Abbott (Masi, Chekhov in Hell), Jessica Robinson (The Great Gatsby, Eight), Heather O'Carroll (The Lead Wait, Hamlet Dies at the End), Bryony Skillington (Lonely Heart, Toys), Gavin Rutherford (Aladdin, C'mon Black), Hayley Sproull (Toys, Miss Fletcher Sings The Blues) and Paul Waggott (Eight, Dog Sees God).

Reviews of Barbara Tate's bestselling book West End Girls:
“A jawdropping account of 1940's Soho prostitutes” – The Sunday Times
“fascinating, entertaining and heart-warming” – Sunday Express
“makes you laugh out loud, and cry in parts - but fills you with admiration of the human spirit.” – Amazon

Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St
4 August – 1 September
6.30pm Tues and Wed, 8.00pm Thurs-Sat and 4.00pm Sun
BOOKINGS: 04 8017992 or www.circa.co.nz
TICKETS: $46/38/25
$25 Special Friday 3 August and Sunday 5 August

CAST
Victoria Abbott – Barbara
Jessica Robinson - Mae
Heather O'Carroll – Rita / Elsie / Company
Gavin Rutherford – Tony / Busker / Magistrate / Company
Bryony Skillington – Rabbits / Hilda / Policewoman / Company
Hayley Sproull – Eve / Lulu / Fiona / Company
Paul Waggott – Frank / Pockets / Nice Young Man / Company

DESIGN
Set and AV Design by – Andrew Foster
Costume Design by – Jane Boocock
Music Arrangement and Sound Design by – Gareth Hobbs
Lighting Design by – Marcus McShane

PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Assistant and Stage Management – Fingal Pollock
Technical Operator – Matthew Eller
Set Construction – John Hokdgins and Iain Cooper
Costume Assistant and Hair & Make-up Consultant – Eliza Thompson-Munn
Publicity – Brianne Kerr
Graphic Design – Rose Miller
Photography – Stephen A'Court
Choreography Advisor – Sacha Copland
Fight Arrangement – Ricky Dey
House Manager – Suzanne Blackburn
Box Office – Linda Wilson