25/09/2026
The NODA review for Ladies’ Day is in! Huge congratulations to all involved!
Ladies Day
By Amanda Whittington
Presented by St Ambrose Players
2nd September 2026.
Ladies Day is a warm Northern comedy centred around the lives of four lady fish process workers. Set in the town of Hull the story follows the fortunes of the ladies when they exchange their seemingly hum drum life for a visit to the prestigious "Ladies Day" at the Ascot races. Ascot races being held at York that year because of major renovation of its southern home.
This was an unusual production as each of the ladies involved lived their characters. The chemistry was tangible. Without exception, every character was brought to life with reality and a lived in Northern understanding of real life!
The Cast....
LOUISE TAYLOR played ‘Pearl’ -
Pearls early retirement from the factory and her decision to spend some of her nest egg on one day living like the other half is the catalyst for the out of character adventure. Her finale scene with Barry her lover was sincere and heartfelt.
ALISON GRIFFITHS BARNES played ‘Jan’ -
The sensible member of the group with the foresight to bring sandwiches in a cool bag. It is very difficult to maintain a balanced level of inebriated behaviour. Your gradual portrayal realistic, endearing and believable.
MEGAN TORKINGTON played ‘Shelly’ -
Difficult to believe this was Megan's first appearance in a play as you recreated the character perfectly. A complex character seemingly secure, loud with dreams of stardom; refusing to face her financial situation and low self-worth. You recreated
the character subtly showing the vulnerability behind the party girl facade.
BETH MOSS played ‘Linda’ -
The shy innocent member of the group always ‘broke’ because she allows her manipulative and parasitic mother to control her life. Linda's devotion to the singer Tony Cristie gives the girls their big win and the plays feel good ending. A lovely scene with her jockey boyfriend perfectly showcasing Beth's talent and innate feminine warmth.
DAVE BENTLEY played both ‘Joe/Barry’ -
A sincere portrayal of the characters... the ‘World-Weary’ Joe and the ‘bookmaker lover’ of Pearl. A genuinely poignant scene with Pearl, sincere and heartfelt.
OLIVER GRINDROD played ‘Jim’ -
Oliver has a natural mischievous charm so did well switching to the personality of the Author's alleged real life person. Very convincing Tic Tac Oliver, well done.
KIERON ALAMI played ‘Ticket Tout/Patrick/Kevin’ -
Convincing as the ticket tout spiv and a realistic recreation of the sensitive jockey Patrick.
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Creatives....
Director - STEVE BARNES
Assistant Director - SAM TORKINGTON
Directed with in-depth thought for the characters; all movement natural and comic timing a joy. The dance cleverly choreographed, executed with real energy and precision.
Stage/Tech.... It would be remiss not to mention the cleverly designed set.
The change to the Racecourse was outstanding, considering the limitations of the venue.
Congrats to all involved especially the painters GRAHAM FORREST and PAUL GREGSON.
Stage Manager - GRAHAM FORREST
Stage Crew - MARTIN DEMPSEY, PAUL GREGSON & GORDON MANLEY
Sound - STEPHEN PORTER Lighting - DAVID SMITH
Props - ALI VARDY
Continuity - SHEILA KENNY
Thank you for inviting me.
David Davies
Assistant Area Rep
N.O.D.A. Area 6.
