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The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart
Royal Exchange Manchester
THE high point of the theatrical year in Manchester is always the Royal Exchange’s Christmas show. For decades the theatre has thrilled, excited and mesmerised; made us laugh, cry, scream, dance and sing.
Never ordinary and never disappointing. So you can imagine in 2020 while the Tories partied but forced the doors of our theatres shut, the city was bereft. Talented actors, musicians, directors, designers, technicians, front of house staff all pushed to the edge of a precipice.
Last year’s gloom heightened the anticipation and excitement for this year’s offering The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart. Despite this huge pressure, director Debbie Hannan and her amazingly talented group of actors delivered a smashing show.
Full of fun, wit, music and a wee bit scary. Prudencia is a strict traditionalist when it comes to Scottish folklore. A collector of old-style ballads. She’s invited to a conference in Kelso to deliver a lecture on Scottish folklore and Hell. Also giving a talk is her colleague and nemesis Dr Colin Syme.
Colin is everything Prudencia is not, loud, brash and an impassioned advocate for celebrity culture.
As the snow thickens the delegates become marooned in a country pub along with a wild hen party from Kent. Out goes the traditional ballads and in comes karaoke. But as midnight on the winter solstice approaches, Prudencia is about to meet a stranger who will change her life.
Joanne Thomson and Oliver Wellington are excellent as Prudencia and Colin. Sparring off each other as they fiercely defend their positions, and yet perhaps there’s a hint of underlying admiration.
This is very much an ensemble piece with the fabulous supporting cast like a Greek chorus taking the audience through the strange story. Special mention for Paul Tinto as the Devil. What a joy his performance of big Lucifer is, some menace, some anger but ultimately vulnerable and sad.
If you haven’t already got a ticket, go and get one now! For over two hours, you will be richly entertained.
Runs until January 15 2022. Box office: royalexchange.co.uk
