Fast paced play about complex family is compelling and at times uncomfortable

[dutchman]

The production tackles ideology, family, war and the dangerous power of charm and privilege



Amy Rosenthal's The Party Girls is playing at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre now. This compelling production explores the true story of a family torn apart by political extremism.

Seen through the eyes of Jessica (Decca) as she battles to stay true to her beliefs, whilst moving further and further from the values of her once beloved sisters.

It portrays the complex lives of the Mitford sisters - aristocrats who revelled through the politically unstable 1930s and 40s. This is a fast-paced, challenging and sometimes disorienting production that takes on ideology, family, war, privilege and the dangerous power of charm.

Keeping up can be tricky at first. The play flits between multiple time periods where characters switch from childhood to adulthood in a matter of seconds thanks to a sleek sliding stage.

The dialogue is peppered with jarringly posh slang, abbreviations, and the Mitford Sisters own style of speech - almost its own language.

It took a bit time to tune into - but you do eventually. Once this happens it runs smoother with a rhythm you can keep up with.

Some fantastic performances are on display. Ell Porter's Unity Mitford, a figure infamous for her obsession with Adolf Hitler, was played with a reckless and chaotic brashness at times uncomfortable to watch. Her naivety and blind, childlike devotion were portrayed brilliantly, to the point you almost pity her - despite her despicable views.

On the other hand Elisabeth Dermot Walsh as Diana Mitford, who married British fascist Oswald Mosley, had an elegance - though she had the same or similar ideals as Unity, she packaged it up with a dangerously cold charm. A scene towards the end where she sprouts tropes and holocaust denial is uncomfortable and compelling such is her steely, detached delivery.

Wildly opposed political views aside, the writing captures the obvious love the sisters had for one another - a sibling bond that persists behind the inflexibility of their ideologies. The fondness they shared is clear - even at points where they're expressing their disgust for one another's views, the actors still manage to keep the affection in their performances.

But what struck me was, despite being set almost 100 years ago, was the comparisons to be made with today's political instability - the rise of extremism, war in Europe and those unhappy with their lot being manipulated into thinking the minorities are to blame for it all make for quite alarmingly topical themes and dialogue.

The Party Girls is not always an easy play to watch - if you're looking for a light hearted piece of escapism I would steer clear. But if you want to be challenged, and left reflecting on how ideology operates, both then and now, give it a go. It is on at the Belgrade until 13 September.