Centred on the progress on the Suffragette movement, this polished presentation cleverly honed in on the particular journeys of the various characters involved.
The cast were all quite young – and they performed exceptionally well. The play has already had several airings in West Sussex, and has a fantastic reception. The story focused mainly on three middle-class women, focusing on a fictional Mary Abbott, as the Suffragette movement gradually grew.
The more shadowy times of the period were explored as well, which prevented the show from being saccharine or carefree. Similarly, the drive towards the full electoral equality for women was not glossed over – it honestly acknowledged the pain of the struggles that were faced.
It was a bit unfortunate that the voices were sometimes overpowered by the pre-recorded music (I was actually sat some distance away from the speakers). Nonetheless, the singing was strong, and followed the drive of the Suffragette narrative – a movement which ultimately the authorities could no longer ignore. Many of the solos for the songs were exceptional. The choreography was neat.
This was a show which combined the political dynamics of the time, the inspiration provided by so many young musicians and actors, and some stand-out individual performances. It was a difficult and demanding theme to hold together in one show, but its delivery was sensitive, and the narrative drove the action forward in a careful and considered way.
The play hinted at theme of discrimination which might plight and blight our own time too – the prevailing male hierarchy which some might still see in our politics. But despite all the questions, the conclusion left us with a vision still to hold onto – when and where we might find hope – especially when suffering at the edge; when does the pain of others actually become our own; and where might optimism be found (albeit sometimes in the void of the silence) when all other avenues may seem lost.
The show finished at 12.10pm.
Vote: The Musical, Wednesday 20th August 2025, Studio at Paradise in Augustines
Continues daily until Friday 22nd August | 11.00am – 12.00pm | £10.00