5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche

You think that you are going to see a play at the rear of a rather noisy pub, but you discover that it is 1956 and you are attending the annual quiche breakfast of the Susan B Anthony Society for the Sisterhood of Gertrude Stein. You are greeted warmly, given an appropriate 1950s name tag and take your seat with other “widows” to wait for the meeting.

Cold War fever is at its peak, and when there is a huge explosion, we find that there is more going on than first appears.

This is a fabulous looking production, with some fantastic fifties frocks on the five performers (costumes and hair by Lynda Stubbs), but also on support staff and the tech crew (Mike McAllan does a wonderful job with lights and sound and Matthew Ward excels with special effects). The set is simple but ideal for the show.

An excellent ensemble cast work together with warmth and precision, all delivering excellent performances. An elegant Arianne Westcott King is lovely as chairwoman Wren, Cassie Skinner is delightful as the keen and efficient Vern, Joanna Tyler shines as British transplant Ginny, Cicely Binford bring a lovely authority to quiche judge Lulie and Helen Kerr is a standout as youngest member Dale.

While the show is essentially what it says in the title, it is a wonderful surprise package of a play, and I am loathe to give spoilers.

5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche carries an 18+ warning (and is accessed via a pub) but it has broad appeal and if you’re not offended by the title, you won’t be shocked by the show, although there are some kicker moments. A glorious, funny and beautifully presented piece of escapism.

Kimberley Shaw

Links to more Fringe World 2018 Reviews