What would Sharron Davies do?

Review by: Paul Towers, 15 November 2018

What would Sharron Davies do? By Lesley Emery

Upstairs @ The Western, 15 November 2018

“a bitter sweet snapshot”

Lesley Emery is a firm favourite with Upstairs at The Western and returns again and again with her one-woman shows, consistently selling out full houses.

This time she introduced us to Janis Barlow (yes, IS because “if Sharron Davies can do two R’s then I can change ICE to IS”). Janis is a northern hairdresser married to Dave. Well, to be honest, merely tolerating him. She has had a disappointing life with failed marriages and a lack of children. But the one thing that has carried her through is her love for Sharron Davies, Olympic swimmer and TV pundit.

We join Janis in her sitting room ironing. She breaks off and chats to us. She is menopausal and is looking for a hobby and a new direction in life now that the IVF hasn’t worked. Her childhood idol, Sharron Davies’ picture hangs on the wall, an inspiration when things get tough. What would Sharron Davies do? Synchronised swimming, that’s what!

Much like a female Alan Bennett, Emery taps into the comedy of everyday words and everyday people. The minutiae of  the working wife as she struggles to cope with a changing life is played out on her settee. With current references slotted in to keep it relevant, Emery entertains us with a bitter sweet snapshot of Janis’ life as she makes a valiant effort to be pool-ready for a career as an older synchronised swimmer.

For further information about Lesley Emery and her work go to www.lesleyemery.com/

Upstairs at The Western http://upstairsatthewestern.com/
http://ptheatre.blogspot.co.uk/