Amelia Bullmore has been writing since 1994 and has produced some excellent work. Apart from her other plays such as Mammals and her adaptation of Ibsen’s Ghosts, her writing includes episodes of This Life, Attachments and Scott and Bailey for TV. She also appeared in Coronation Street, Happy Valley and Scott and Bailey. She has served her time and honed her skills because this play is exceptional.
At first it appears to be a story about friendship, and it is, but much more. Each of Bullmore’s characters in Di and Viv and Rose is well crafted and has depth. The seemingly chance grouping of these three young women lays the ground for the development of deep understanding and all the gamut’s of emotion that their story contains.
Di, played by Nicole Rutty is the sporty lesbian ready to take on anyone and anything. Kate Anolak’s Viv is more serious and restrained, becoming the ‘mother’ of the group. Kate keeps her real and thoughtful a constant in a changing world. On the other hand Allison Scharber happily gives us Rose’s free spirit. Ready to enjoy life and every boy who asks.
The play follows their journey through their studies and beyond. It follows the growth of respect and trust as they share ambitions and failures, displaying their emotions as they deal with the problems life gives them. The writer has a real understanding of people and friendship and how it can shape and support lives.
Angela Shorts’ direction, assisted by Dave Sims, is sensitive and allows the three very talented actors to give us a remarkable piece of theatre which is uplifting and heart wrenching all within its two hours. You’ll regret not seeing this Blue Sky Theatre present production.
