THEATRE: The Killing of Sister George (Brighton Fringe)

The Killing of Sister George, Marlborough Little Theatre, Brighton, 2nd May)

(Review by Rosie Blackwell-Sutton)

This modern adaptation of a classic lesbian play often fell short with a cast lacking captivation and an off the pace plot.

Stand-out performer Katy Federman, who plays Alice McNaught, kept the whole show together, playing the complex character with aplomb. Alice is a 34-year-old lesbian with a dark past that causes her to act many years her junior. She is in a seven-year relationship with "Sister George" (Petina Hapgood) a jealous, drunk, and at times, violent, actress who is driven to madness following some bad news from the head of the BBC Mrs Mercy Croft (Sue Ferguson). The relationship between Alice and George was without chemistry and at times left me feeling uncomfortable.

Maggie Robson had a fresh look on her role as the zany Madam Xenia and was a light release throughout the heavy performance.

The play showed how fame can drive someone to the edge and it does this well, however the acting was often forced and lines lacked conviction, although I‘d say Katy Federman is definitely one to watch.

2/5

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