REVIEW: WAVING by Rosalind Philp at White Bear Theatre 28 July -1 August

‘a thoroughly engrossing in-depth study’ ★★★★★

Waving is presented by new theatre company, Dogs in Wellies, which has been founded to highlight the creativity of actors and writers over the age of 50.  The play is set in a coastal studio, where a brilliant artist begins her final portrait as Alzheimer’s dismantles the life she built. The action spans the entire life of the family, and it is no surprise to learn (in an interview) that it is based on real life experiences.  Both writer/actor Rosalind Philp and actor Eva de Winter grew up with mothers who were artists. 

With little set (just a few sticks of furniture), minimal light and sound, the actors bring the story to life with expert direction from Paul Cook and the multi-talented Philp. The script contains many interesting family stories, of the kind of that become defining moments and it certainly doesn’t shy away from the cruel nature of the Alzheimer’s disease; including moments when the family use good humour to cope and those moments too shocking or heart-breaking to laugh off. 

One of the curious factors of the casting is that Philp (as the daughter) and de Winter (as the mother) are both the same age. How is that going to work? The non-linear script plays with the time-line but it works because it is a good script which allows us to understand whereabouts we are within in the period. The actors remain in character as their core selves throughout without the necessity to change their voices, their clothes or even their physicality.  It is a very original approach, and it works superbly well.

The two siblings could not be more different, with the son (Ben Levy) inheriting his mother’s artistic talent and being the apple of her eye. Whilst the older sibling (Philp) is often overlooked. The actors play off each other beautifully resulting in many humorous moments. The comedy isn’t about timing, it is more about the knocks and blows of life. Those niggles which we feel so deeply in our own lives, but with hindsight they can appear laugh out loud funny (especially when they’re happening to someone else).   Both in her script and as an actor, Philp ably uses these experiences, to amplify the humour. Funny though they are, it all adds up to a clear picture of the daughter having been sideline by the ‘bright light’ of the son.   The son is not without his personal struggles too, played with much precision and clarity by Levy, it is easy to care about him and his family.

De Winter too, as the mother, reveals the woman behind the artist, outspoken and single minded. Those moments of absolute confusion as the Alzheimer’s takes its toll are writ large on her face.  A mention also to Paul Stone, who plays the camp art dealer, although a cameo role, it does add a flavour of the art world to the piece. 

This in-depth study is an engrossing watch and fits the White Bear space very well.  The minimalism works in its favour to concentrate the mind on the story without the risk of any distractions.   This is clearly a very personal piece for Philp and de Winter, a labour of love, a eulogy to an individual and to a mother. 

Read interview with Rosalind Philp and Ava de Winter on championing roles for older women here

Dogs in Wellies presents

WAVING by Rosalind Philp

White Bear Theatre, Kennington

28th July - 1st August, 7:30pm

BOX OFFICE https://www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk/whatson/waving

Cast

Rosalind Philp

Ava de Winter

Ben Levy

Paul Stone

Directed by Paul Cooke & Rosalind Philp

Co-Devised by Rosalind Philp & Ava de Winter

Playwright: Rosalind Philp

Produced by Dogs in Wellies

Lighting & Sound Technicians: Mig Duleviciius & Ron Dixon