What is showbiz and theatre but a place of illusion and deceit where truth can peek through the gaps in the curtains?
The dubious world of the theatrical psychic is the subject of the fourth play in this season’s A Play, a Pie and a Pint. Betty, played with a weary calculation by Alison Peebles, is capitalising on a ‘gift’ she may have had umpteen years ago. She and her miked up, off -stage side kick Siobhan (Neshla Caplan) play to, or should that be prey on, packed houses using some of the oldest tricks in the book to dupe the vulnerable and desperate. The very glittery and wigged up Betty milks the fact of her just being ‘one of you’, and scattering her performance with ‘God Bless’ creating a faux religious atmosphere.
But Betty’s at the end of the road. She sheds her wig and shoddy glitter and collapses in the red bordello glow of her dressing room, created with some panache by Gemma Patchett, that is the perfect look for the seedy monetary exchange that takes place there and indeed at the box office. Her greed overrides her exhaustion for a private session from a persistent and seemingly needy fan. Mark (Andrew Still) turns out to be more challenging that either Betty or Siobhan had anticipated though his tragic personal story fails to make a chink Betty’s armour, that’s made of far tougher stuff than the flimsy sex goods she sold in another life.
David Cosgrove has created a neat piece of writing that is brought to entertaining life by the three-strong cast, with the admirable Alison Peebles showing the self-protecting Betty turn from spiritual vessel to snarling harridan to survive. It may feel a little stilted at times but Voices in her Ear makes for an ideal piece of 50 minute lunchtime drama with a nice wee gasp inducing (for some!) twist.
Tuesday 4th April – Saturday 29th April, 1pm; Fri 28th April at 7pm age recommend 14+