RUBERY Drama Group acting stalwart Roy Watton, in his first outing directing, definitely brought something new to the company’s latest production ‘Muddy Cows’.
The laugh-along show was like nothing the long-term group had done before – and it received a fantastic response from a very enthusiastic audience.
The comedy John Godber centres on a women’s rugby team which faces its struggles, along with its players in their own individual lives.
With the banter between the close-knit team mates came strong language – not usually seen from the group but all completely justified and as you would expect in the world of women’s rugby (or any sport for that matter), I feel the piece would not have felt realistic without it (apparently they did tone it down as well).
The play was as jam-packed as a scrum, full of great observation comedy which would have no doubt conjured up memories for many audience members about being in a team at some stage in their lives. The times when you win together, lose together, cannot get enough players because of family and relationship commitments, have disagreements and fears over funding – it was all there.
There was an array of characters who were there for different reasons – some there for the social aspect, others to get fit and some to do their best and win.
There was also some well-made social comment about the struggles of women’s sports teams which often are not treated as well as the men’s equivalent (thankfully that is changing).
And, like all good teams (which this clearly was both on and off the stage), everyone played their part.
Paula Hogarth, in her first lead role, made for a formidable ex-England international and club captain Maggie Deakin and Jayne Jones as her confidant was also great as Jess Baxter.
Julie Brotherhood portrayed Kim Johnson, with her juggling home life and relationship problems, well and Vicky Routh was great as the tenacious (but possibly borderline alcoholic) Fran Wood.
Julie Edwards gave us ‘two for the price of one’ as twins Donna and Daisy and brilliantly switched between the two.
And Charlotte Murphy made the role of party and men-loving Amber her own. You could tell her character was a favourite of many in the audience with her often outrageous observations about the team and life in general.
The beauty of this show – and this is testament to the actors – is, although dominated by laughs, it also had you filling up. There were plenty of pathos and ‘there’s something in my eye’ moments, such was the rapport you built up with the characters.
The set was simple but effective – switching from training ground to camping field and, in the second half, dressing room.
As well as the stage, this play used the aisle like no other Rubery Drama Group play I have seen, whether it be the characters hurtling down it while training or meandering down fundraising. It brought the action closer to the audience – which is always good.
This was also a great play for the group which has more women actors than men and everyone had a near enough lead role in this show and it utilised its talent to the full.
A fantastic performance all round from the cast and an impressive first outing for Watton – it provided a fun-filled, scrum-filled night – just how comedic theatre should be.
