Performer Lottie Walker and writer JJ Leppink are back with another Blue Fire Theatre production. Bloody Mary(s) was part of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe and is now running at the OSO in Barnes.
Walker introduces herself as a ‘Maryologist’, with the show’s premise firmly fixed on introducing us to a parade of Marys, Maries, Marias, Molls and Mollies, Mariahs, Mays, and even Madonna.
Expanded into two acts from its Edinburgh hour, the first crams 50 Marys into 50 minutes, including 25 we can vote into a dinner party or consign to the bin. Three volunteers from the audience play their part as scribe, butler and bouncer (with kazoo).
If you have seen Blue Fire before, you will recognise their blend of facts, fun, and a good old sing-song. Marys good and bad are mentioned, from Royals to pirates, divas to poisoners, scientists to politicians.
Zoe Harvey-Lee’s costume for Walker is period-perfect and quirky, and James Hall’s musical accompaniment in the second half is delightful. There’s also a music quiz, a local history quiz, and a rousing patter song having fun with Marys suggested by the audience.
The only woman in the Koran is Mary. The name itself means both “wished-for child” and “rebellion” and has its roots in the Latin Maria and Greek Mariam. Utilising its variants – Maryam, Mae/May, Polly, Mamie, Moira/Maureen, Mariya, Mia and Maren could make this show even longer, but Leppink wisely stops at the major names.
This is a rather gentle show, despite a heartbreaking detour into the story of Mary Hamilton, one of Mary, Queen of Scots’ ‘Four Marys’. Even criminals like Moll Cutpurse and Mary Read are given their due and good points. A clear disdain for “practically perfect” Mary Poppins adds comedy.
The songs included celebrate Marie Lloyd, Mary Astor (actress and pianist), and the Mary who was “quite contrary”. Walker is very much at home in capturing the pathos of a moment or inviting the audience to join in.
Jason Price directs the show, which has numerous props from placards of each Mary to a Poppinesque carpet bag. In its new form, it does feel a little long – but 90 Marys in 90 minutes (including interval) is quite an achievement.
Will your favourite Mary make the cut? Why are there four Mary Pickfords? And which Mary came back from the colonies like a boomerang? All these questions and more can be answered as part of Bloody Mary(s).
I’m giving it 3.5 stars. It is a strong concept, varied and entertaining, memorable and amusing.
Bloody Mary(s) was at OSO Arts Centre until 16 Oct.
For more on Blue Fire Theatre Co, visit their website.
Photos: Blue Fire Theatre Co