**** Critics’ Choice

There’s much to admire in Derek Bond’s production, not least James Perkins’s clever stage design which floats
the playing area, a kind of hovering memory space, above a bed of deeply symbolic fallen leaves. And the performances in this demanding two-hander are terrific. At first Niamh McGrady’s Clare and Bronagh Taggart’s Emma seem to speak almost with one voice: standing shoulder to shoulder on the stage, their words overlapping, they suggest some sort of mythical two-headed beast. Taking on an additional dozen and more roles between them, McGrady and Taggart display impressive discipline and flair, demonstrating that nuance and rapid-fire changes aren’t mutually exclusive.

Time Out

Running 75 minutes without an interval, Derek Bond’s intense production of Lisa McGee’s Girls & Dolls is a fast-paced little whirlwind that’s frequently funny, yet ultimately very disturbing.
McGrady and Taggart are superb, switching back and forth between 20 or so characters… perfectly delivering the play’s mix of hasty, breathless exchanges and calmer, more thoughtful monologues.
There’s always another nugget around the corner – a character, a new angle – as the play keeps tightening relentlessly towards it’s surprising climax. And the intense final minutes that follow will have you see everything beforehand with new eyes.

Indielondon.co.uk

****
The two-strong cast deliver equally strong and captivating performances as they switch between an array of some 20 characters.
Taggart’s portrayal of Clare’s jittery mother and McGrady’s Dennis, the disgruntled shopkeeper, especially stand out. They are believable to the point that you forget they aren’t being played by different actors.
Girls and Dolls works its magic as a girl buddy play. It’s touching, witty and sad as it explores the female lot in a chain of events reminiscent of Thelma and Louise.
Young playwright Lisa McGee shows she’s full of promise and definitely one to watch.

Ham & High

“Girls and Dolls” Director Derek Bond has lead several workshops on the play in schools and colleges. Click here to contact Derek for more information.