Review: HER ACHING HEART at The Hope Theatre

Set as a play within a play the piece tells the story of two contemporary women who both become engrossed in a lesbian romance novel titled… HER ACHING HEART. During one of her daily routines; fox hunting Lady Harriet Hellston (Collette Eaton) stumbles across a hypnotising and beautiful peasant girl Molly (Naomi Todd) and so the passion between the two women begins.

The Hope being a very intimate space can prove a challenge for a piece that requires so many scene and costume changes but Matthew Parker makes the best of the situation. The actresses often pardon the audience members whilst bringing in new set parts or props and fully inhibit the absurd nature of the piece. Parker’s directing is very detailed and imaginative as he concentrates on creating moments full of theatrical grandeur that can still triumph in a smaller space.

Collette Eaton and Naomi Todd are both fantastic performers with great voices and charisma. It is worth mentioning that their energy throughout the show never drops and they give their whole selves to these roles. Yet it is Eaton that steals the show with her incredible stage presence and her interpretation on Lady Harriet; a strong, almost dominatrix like woman, determined to get what she wants.

Rachel Ryan’s set is an enthralling one. Velvet curtains, beautiful furs and corsets not only compliment the production but allow the audience to be fully captivated in this world of heightened emotions and farce.

Despite the fact that Lavery’s script seems outdated at times and the show could benefit from more physical interactions between two women; Parker’s directions, fantastic acting, songs, bloomers and farcical gimmicks make HER ACHING HEART a delightful production.