Review: SIX SERPENTS AND A TARANTULA by Maryanna Clarke /Old School Players at The Hen and Chickens Theatre and on tour 7 – 31 August 2021

A classy production which turns the stereotypical Wild West movie onto its head with a more truthful version, shown from the perspective of five brothel girls. The story is set in Arland Town. Wyoming. The year of our Lord 1888.

This is a truly original work in several different ways, the concept, the perspective (as mentioned) and the execution of the play within a play. The concept starts with the spinning of a gun. The five brothel girls will tell the true story of the Woman in Blue, what was done to her, and what she did in revenge but who plays which characters is down to chance, giving 120 possible casting combinations. Incredible, as the cast on the night, were immaculate. They play two female roles, the Woman in Blue and the brothel madam. They also play all the many men involved in the story.  

It shows real women, who have alighted on their kind of work through a need to live when they have found no other options available to them. It shows the ghastly need to go through abortions and to have no expectation of a permanent relationship, never to expect a better life. The Woman in Blue is the exception as she receives an offer of marriage, but the man isn’t true to his offer. It all pans out like a rose opening and inevitably dying, leaving just the scent. It’s a complex story which continues to unfold with a satisfying conclusion, tragic but fitting, with the Woman in Blue taking charge of her own destiny. 

The execution of the play is truly original. The players use a kind of jolt through the body, like someone bumping into their right shoulder (flinching like a minnow in a pool). I thought perhaps this denoted a scene change, it doesn’t. Perhaps an unconscious jolt or shock (for the character), I don’t know, I never quite grasped it, but it was effective for a reason I don’t understand. Then there were those tiny details which puts this company head and shoulders above many others. Refilling those whisky glasses, the one on the left, then turning to the one on the right, there’s a pause, it’s already nearly full so the bottle is placed on the table. It’s this kind of detail that is far more true to life than two empty glasses on the table which are refilled. Full stop. 

And another thing, there is no need to fancy up the cast. The Woman in Blue (Stella von Koskull  on the night) doesn’t need seductive powers or a made-up face for her to be totally believable as the woman who ignites love in men. The many male roles are created with minor props (maybe a moustache or spectacles or special cowboy boots) but their scowls and long face, their mannerisms and physical use of the space, totally embodies a huge variety of clearly shown personalities. All aided by an excellent choice of costumes. 

I could go on but suffice it to say this is a company who could easily grace bigger stages and we are very fortunate to see them touring to smaller venues.  

We will hear more of Old School Players Theatre Company.

Note: The cast on the night of the review were -

Eliza Jayne Gilroy - Rose Williams

Stella von Koskull - Belle Drewry

Jessica Mattarelli - William Gallagher

Lucy Millett - Blind Bill Hoolihan

Imogen Read - William Wheaton

SIX SERPENTS AND A TARANTULA by Maryanna Clarke

Old School Players Theatre Company

On Tour

VENUES:  

7th Aug 21 6PM: Church of St John the Baptist, Plush, Dorset  

15th-16th Aug 21 9PM: The Hen & Chickens Theatre Bar 109 St Paul's Rd, London 

27th-28th Aug 21 7:30PM: The Ancient Technology Centre, Wimborne, Dorset

30th-31st Aug 21 7:30PM: The Moonshine Saloon, 28-30 Houndsditch, London

TICKETS: £8-£15 (venue dependent) Ticket link: https://linktr.ee/oldschoolplayerstheatre

Reviewer: Heather Jeffery is Editor of London Pub Theatres Magazine