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Theatre Review: The Lady in the Van

Joy Watters reviews 'a sheer delight' at Pitlochry.

The Lady In The Van is a sheer delight, hilariously and poignantly, painting a warts and all portrait of an elderly woman who lived for years in writer Alan Bennett’s front garden in her old van. A true story, with the odd authorial tweak, Miss Shepherd’s residence was first recorded in Bennett’s diaries and eventually became a stage play now joining the repertoire at Pitlochry.

Miss Shepherd first pitched her van in Bennett’s Camden Town street but, when targeted by yobs and drunks, the writer let her move the van into his front garden. This was meant to be for a matter of weeks but turned into fifteen years until her demise in the late 80s.

Supremely selfish, and for one so snooty, so smelly, Miss S alternately fascinated and infuriated her new landlord. In the play there are two actors playing Bennett, one the writer and one the practical rubber-gloved householder clearing up her waste and coping with her demands.

Mark Elstob and Ronnie Simon play the two Alans beautifully, each encapsulating the contrasting range of responses that Miss S evokes in the one Alan.

Bennett is, of course, a wonderful observer of humankind, particularly of the elderly and of the guilt, anger and love they provoke in family and friends.

Director Patrick Sandford empathetically captures all the elements of this deceptively simple piece, from Bennett’s own guilt at spending time on Miss S while his own mother falls victim to dementia to the celebration of supreme eccentricity. The neighbours are shown struggling to retain their liberal views with Miss S in their midst.

Pitlochry regular Jacqueline Dutoit makes a fine job of the imperious Miss Shepherd, whose life is cloaked in mystery. Whether she is simply a rambling fabulist, no-one knows. Dutoit captures with relish the confidence of the aged egotist, who gives her views on most topics and airs future plans, such as becoming Prime Minister. It is hilarious stuff from an infuriating character.

Mainly static, the action revs up when Miss S get a second home, driving up in a Robin Reliant, to the delight of the audience.

In repertoire until October, The Lady In The Van puts a new spin on charity beginning at home.

In repertoire at Pitlochry Festival Theatre until October 14.

Tags: theatre

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