UK Theatre Network

Hot Flush!

UK National Tour

Reviewed at Darlington Civic Theatre

Myra, Sylvia, Jessica and Helen all have one thing in common – they are each going through the menopause. The women meet every Tuesday evening to share in their experiences, their secrets, their highs and lows and, together, they make up the ‘Hot Flush Club.’

Obviously, this musical is targeted at a female audience and the auditorium at Darlington Civic Theatre was packed with them on Monday evening.

Lesley Joseph leads a hugely talented cast that also includes Hilary O’Neil, Anne Smith, Ruth Keeling and the token male, Sam Kane.

Miss Joseph plays Myra who was a successful barrister specialising in divorce – until she began to develop symptoms of the menopause and her husband left her for a blonde bimbo. Now Myra drinks and smokes too much and struggles to contain her pent up anger and frustration. The incorrigible Joseph hurls herself wholeheartedly into the role and has the audience in hysterics.

Hilary O’Neil’s portrayal of sex-mad Sylvia, the gauche American is equally as effective. She is having a secret affair with Myra’s eighteen year old son and, inevitably, it is only a matter of time until she is found out and the sparks begin to fly.

Ruth Keeling is Jessica, the larger than life charity fund-raiser who has to cope with unwanted advances from the lecherous local vicar. Anne Smith plays widowed Helen, who battles loneliness and short-term memory loss.

All four women deliver fantastic comedy performances that have the audience whooping with glee. Refreshingly, they seem to work as an effective ensemble and nobody appears to pull focus or upstage anyone else.

Sam Kane has the unenviable job of being the only male in the cast and, with four sexy, sassy women to deal with, it must be no easy undertaking! However, Mr Kane revels in his role and his cheeky charm is a hit with the audience. He plays a variety of roles including barman, doctor, waiter, security guard and Chinese herbalist.

Olly Ashmore provides the musical numbers and his witty lyrics make each and every one a gem. When Roger Hannah’s choreography is integrated they become showstoppers in their own right. Director Alan Cohen also knows just how to get the very best from each member of his cast, too.

Undoubtedly, Hot Flush! will be derided by some snobbish critics  because of it’s tongue-in-cheek approach and revue-like content. However, it is worth noting that this production is filling theatres during the worst economic crisis since the depression of the 30s and providing a great night’s entertainment to boot. The ‘real’ world is filled with worry and woe, so let’s hear it for a welcome bit of fun, froth and frivolity. Go girls, go!

Steve Burbridge.