Driving Miss Daisy (Tour – Coventry)

After successful runs in London’s West End and on Broadway this award winning production of Alfred Uhry’s Driving Miss Daisy comes to Coventry as part of a UK tour.

It tells the story of elderly lady, Daisy Werthan (Gwen Taylor) who, after a driving accident, is forced to employ the services of chauffeur Hoke Coleburn (Don Warrington) by her son Boolie Werthan (Ian Porter). It follows the trio as their relationships develop into touching friendships. Set in Georgia at the height of the American Civil Rights movement, there are many things insinuated about the racial tensions and class barriers at this time but the main focus is on the changing dynamics of the relationships.

The chemistry between Daisy and Hoke is engaging, Don Warrington captures the nuances of the character as he battles quietly with the almost intolerable Daisy. Gwen Taylor’s portrayal of Daisy is sublime, as she ages and mellows from scene to scene, no detail was left to chance.

Projections onto the neutral set walls were used to good effect to denote the many changes of scene. However this was not the case when they were used in the driving sequences when it added little to the scene. The use of a mini revolve for the car was a pleasing touch.

This production grows in intensity with moments of perfectly delivered comedy and dynamic performances all round. A truly heart warming evening.

Annette Nuttall