MAUDIE’S ROOMS | STAGE REVIEW
Bute Place, Cardiff, Sat 12 Apr
The last experience I had with family theatre was the local rugby clubs’ charity panto – written (crudely), directed (badly) and starring my dad and his hung-over rugby pals in drag. As much fun as it was, it was a long way away from the immersive and magical world of Maudie’s Rooms.
Firstly Maudie’s Room didn’t start in the Rugby Club’s bar, but at a humble bus stop. As an audience of innocent bystanders waited patiently for the bus, we were soon thrown into a different world with the arrival of Arlo, a runaway groom.
Having abandoned his bride-to-be and with no idea where he is, anxious Arlo beings telling us why he ran away and talking about how he never ‘measured up’ when he was at the big boys school as a youngster. Arlo is soon given a key and the address attached is one he recognises – it is the lodging house that he grew up in, and it’s right behind him. Soon we are taken in and go on a journey into Arlo’s past.
The house we are taking into is stunning. It was formerly Butetown’s Customs and Immigration House, and it is now a beautiful but crusty old building sitting on Butestreet. Stepping inside you are welcomed into a room that is both beautiful and creepy, filled with odd dolls and everything covered in sheets. After this first introduction us bystanders are taken into a series of rooms, meeting a whole range of eccentric characters.
Designer Jenny Lee has done a fantastic job of creating not just one magical set but several. Each room throws you immediately into the right frame of mind –whether it’s funny, scared or curious. These pleasing visuals are matched only by Angharad Mathews’ fantastic costumes – my favourite of which is hermaphrodite scientist Miss Sweetpea, a character that is almost beyond description.
Though this is a family show, tailored for children, it does not shy away from some serious issues. Tackled within the walls of Maudie’s rooms is discrimination, persecution, gender, the pressure of measuring up and the healing power of jam donuts. Writer and director Louise Osborne has created a piece that is entertaining for all ages and doesn’t patronise anyone.
All the performers do a great job, especially Katy Owen as young Arlo who makes a small boy with anger and anxieties a likable and interesting character.
The small number of kids at the show loved it, as they helped Arlo solve clues and figure out his past. One of my favourite parts of the performance was when the gloriously named baddy, Sir Titus Spicketts, sniffed around and asked ‘What’s that smell?’ to which one young girl unceremoniously answered ‘It’s my mum!!’.
If you’re looking for something different to do with your kids this week I would highly recommend you go and see Maudie’s Rooms. I will still recommend it if you don’t have kids to entertain, but just want to experience something magical for yourself.
Maudie’s Rooms, Bute Place, Cardiff, Fri 11-Sat 26 Apr. Tickets: £8/£28 family ticket. Info: 029 2064 6900 / www.shermancymru.co.uk