Mondays @ Seven

The same two actresses portray two complex characters, a mother and daughter who have difficulty in communicating - and who use nursery rhymes, songs, games and the words of William Shakespeare - breathing life into 33 Shakespearean characters. The same two actresses perform in both versions of this show, one in English and the other in French - often on the same day.  In the UK, Douces Dames was the matinee show and Sweet Ladies the evening show. In Paris the other way round. With only one complete costume change each, the same set throughout, but with music composed and played by the amazing Charles Allen-Wall, who also composed music for Shakespearean ballads and lyrics by Director Kit Leonard and sings them of course!  Only a change of lighting for the Shakespearean scenes, with Diana and Georgina's talent doing the rest!  Two years running in Bath, three months in Paris...with excellent reviews...where next?  Reviews to be posted soon.

After the UK première at the Mission Theatre as part of the Bath Fringe Festival, followed by performances in Burton Joyce near Nottingham in May 2008, SWEET LADIES and Douces Dames (two versions of the same show, one in English and the other in French) are coming to Paris!

The première will take place on Thursday 18th September 2008 so hurry up and book your seats! Every Thursday at 7pm and Sunday at 3pm in English. Every Friday and Saturday at 7pm in French. Théâtre de l'Epouvantail, soon A La Folie Théâtre, rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75O11 Paris. Full details on our website.
 
This show, partly written and devised by improvisation by Diana and Georgina with director Kit and of course, William Shakespeare, has been translated by Diana and Georgina into French.  

This translation was very challenging as they were determined to retain the true meaning of all texts, whilst not compromising with respect to the beauty of the texts. Hence they were unable to use any previous translations of Shakespeare's works.  The translation has in fact evolved with time, because to perform every day (as they did in the UK) two shows, one in English and one in French, is quite a feat. Hence certain modifications had to be made so that they remembered both versions.

But also, the more they performed, in French and in English, the more hidden meanings leapt out of the pages, with deeper motivations for Amanda and Ophelia coming to the surface.

The genius of William Shakespeare, the genius of director Leonard, the genius of composer Charlie Allen and the genius of Georgina Ridealgh and Diana Stewart-Rossiné!

Is having a talented daughter proving too much for?