Revu Pews at Ten
“Pews at Ten” Poster
Pews At Ten is a fantastically witty fringe comedy, and a self-professed love letter to the older generation. The play centres the follies of three elderly women in rural Wales: Dilys (Nia Brooks), Meryl (Matty Rudd) and Rona (Bud Potter). Loving nothing more than to gossip in the front pew at the cathedral, the trio are perturbed by the arrival of a young English steward (Dominic Bryant). Soon enough, an exciting announcement means everyone must work together to overcome their differences and avoid disaster.
The Space theatre (previously a church) is the perfect location. The play’s comic atmosphere is built from the start with echoing, almost awkward acoustics and an overture of modestly sung hymns. The audience erupted with laughter the moment the ladies shuffled down the aisle. For a group in their early twenties, their costumes, makeup and physicality are entirely convincing and highly entertaining.
“Pews at Ten”
The characters are certainly larger than life: their loud convictions concerning neighbours, finger foods, and shop-bought welshcakes are brought into contrast by the earnest steward, David. Playwright Nia Brooks, who grew up in Wales, was inspired by her local community and her grandmother. This is the root of the performance’s charm, as it was essential the humour was truthful, and perhaps a bit absurd, rather than unkind.
While the play is very well observed, it is also energetic, and at times quite silly. The women (with David at hand) often enter essence machine repetition that is rounded out with a one-liner. The physical comedy is tight, and the show overall maintains a precision and focus that moves the audience through the story at a good pace. This is largely owed to Director Izzy Klein, who has been part of the production from its inception at East 15.
Thanks to their continued energy (usually agape in shock and horror), the women are the unapologetic stars of their own story. It is refreshing to watch a set of characters who are universally known, and largely dismissed, take centre stage.
“Pews at Ten”
Though most scenes are primed for laughs, a couple of poignant moments ground the show and draw attention to key themes. Exploring respect (across generations and cultures), it pulls apart the stereotypes of the ‘Old Lady’, the “English Incomer” and the ‘Welsh Dragon’. It also considers community: how can we relate to each other despite our differences? And lastly, identity: can we really choose who we are, and how we are treated?
These moments are effective, and would sometimes benefit from being allowed to settle a little longer. Nonetheless, by the end of the play, there is an uplifting sense of acceptance beneath the trio’s characteristic flustering. This outlines what Pews At Ten achieves so cleverly: it takes us on a journey with women who never leave their home town.
5/5 Stars
“Pews at Ten”
Review written by Ella Kennedy
