Of Women and Horses I Have Known
Underbelly
5-29 August, 20.40
Susanna Hislop’s Grandmother was quite the formidable figure. A crazy
gin-swilling, speed-addled horse-breeder, Jean Hislop certainly seemed
the type to rage against the dying of the light. In writing Of
Women and Horses I Have Known – as well as playing the role of her
Gran – she raises Jean from the ashes, recreating her relative out of
memories, memoirs and make up.
At times the piece is deeply poignant; in one instance, Hislop acts
the part of her Grandmother telephoning her Granddaughter, a truly
heart-warming if surreal moment where Hislop is actually talking to
herself. She is supported by a fantastically versatile cast who really
bring the Hislop family to life – Robin Beer (Ian), Richard Crawley
(John) and Cecilia Madanes (as a delightfully decrepit Mrs Bankier)
give particularly noteworthy performances. This show is both fun and
thoughtful – and there are some wonderful horse impressions to boot.
the part of her Grandmother telephoning her Granddaughter, a truly
heart-warming if surreal moment where Hislop is actually talking to
herself. She is supported by a fantastically versatile cast who really
bring the Hislop family to life – Robin Beer (Ian), Richard Crawley
(John) and Cecilia Madanes (as a delightfully decrepit Mrs Bankier)
give particularly noteworthy performances. This show is both fun and
thoughtful – and there are some wonderful horse impressions to boot.
– Miranda Fay Thomas
