Review • Richmond & Twickenham Times

DAISY DOES HER BEST
The production was thoroughly enjoyable and very well appreciated by the audience.

The pupils, being played by actreses slightly more mature than those I have seen in many a school production of this play by Denise Deegan, brought a deal more authenticity to the show than is often the case when modern schoolgirls are playing the 'gels'. Everyone entered into the spirit of the piece and showed no inhibitions whatsoever, and certainly pulled it off.

Deborah McDowell as the lead Daisy was absolutely spiffing - her interpretation was full of candour and she brought great vivacity to her performance. She was well supported by Jan Croxson as Trixie, her chum. Jane Marcus gave us a suitably sneering and snobby Sybil, Daisy's arch-enemy, as did her toadying crony the lisping Monica played by Jane Poole-Wilson. The jolly hockey sticks head girl Clare and her captain of games Alice (with a superb Irish accent) were portrayed with great gusto and much aplomb by Clare Taylor and Janet Simpson.

The roles of the mistresses and master were: the demure Barbara Thomas (headmistress Miss Gibson), Lynne Shirley (Miss Granville), Denise Truscott (Mademoiselle), Sheila Fitzgerald, who also accompanied the choral singing, and last but not least Terry Saunders as Mr Scoblowski complete with Russian accent.

The play was directed by Clare Henderson Roe, with great discipline. The set, which added the right degree of country house atmosphere, was designed and constructed by Wes Henderson Roe.

George Hillier
Richmond & Twickenham Times