On walking into the space, your eyes take a short while to adjust to the dimly lit stage. Total darkness everywhere apart from the small playing space in the centre of the room; above, a series of lights of varying shapes and sizes. Sudden Darkness. Then we are introduced into a world not too dissimilar to our own, possibly set in the near future where blackouts are a regular occurrence of every day life.
Bell (Bryony Davies), a barmaid with a biting, quick and extremely dry sense of humor meets Steph (Laura Woodward), the ever-persistent schoolgirl who is looking for her friend Charlie/Charlotte who has gone missing during the mysterious blackouts.
During the 80-minute piece, the entire theatre is plunged into darkness numerous times and we, the audience, are left in a total blackout. Relying solely on our imaginations to conjure up images of what is happening on stage. The dialogue, back and forth between our 2 leading ladies is quick and witty. Davies brings life to her character and in the dark moments her dialogue is beautifully painted so a clear image and feeling is presented to the eager listener.
A Girl in School Uniform (Walks Into a Bar) is an experience to say the least.
Review by Bryan Mennings
Rating: ★★★
