The Sisters Can Act
Sappho in Love. Performed at The Junction, Cambridge UK, 13th and 14th April, by SisterACT
Sappho in Love is a comedy of errors about the mix-ups that ensue when the goddesses of Celibacy and Coupledom come down to earth to recruit Sappho's followers in a bid to challenge the Goddess of Love's hegemony on Lesbos.
But what made the Sister Act performance of Carolyn Gage's ensemble-piece not only a fun night out but a highly memorable one was the way that the cast drew out the pathos of infidelity and unrequited love as well as the exuberant comedy of the chaos caused by the plotting Goddesses.
Despite the protestations in the programme notes it's hard to imagine that some of the Act-ers were acting virgins as their enjoyment and confidence on stage was palpable.
All the performances shone but special mention must go to Kate Farmer's Aphrodite as luscious pantomime dame; Fiona Finn's elegantly suave and reflective Sappho; Anne Henderson's Timas as rookie poet and Sappho-impersonator; Jackie Leonard's heartfelt sadness. Miriam Lynn's casting was inspired and her direction clear whilst Jayne Phillips's fifties-inspired costumes were magnificent.
Lesvos look out!
Sappho in Love was reviewed by Tory Young - English Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge.
