Difference between revisions of "Whose Life Is It Anyway? (2024)"

Latest revision as of 09:30, 17 June 2024

Poster by Seamus Doyle

by Brian Clark

Directed by Lily Ann Green

Performances: Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 June 2024, Old Fire Station

Introduction

What would you do if you had an active, witty and creative brain but could no longer do even the simplest task for yourself? Overnight, Claire has gone from being a successful sculptor with an active social life and devoted partner to being a quadriplegic unable to do anything for herself but think and speak. Her life is literally in the hands of the medical professionals.

...Or so they suppose.

Cast

• Sister Anderson - Abigail Baggili
• Claire Harrison - Kelly-Kim Clements
• Nurse Kay Sadler - Megan Carter-Hill
• John - Daniel Abeshin
• Dr David Scott - Harry Legget
• Dr Michael Emerson - Leon Chambers
• Mrs Margaret Boyle - Sarah Ellis-Jones
• Ms Helen Hill - Eliza Aquilina
• Dame Justice Millhouse - Jeanette Hoile

Crew

• Assistant Director - Sapphire Shoferpoor
• Stage Manager - Eddie Coleman
• Assistant Stage Manager - Chris Purcell
• Set Design - AP Asserby
• Lighting Design - James Jackson
• Sound Design - Adam Crook
• Operator - Dennis Fenton
• Wardrobe - Alicia Oke
• Photography - Phil Gammon
• Radio Announcer - Roger May
• Set construction and rigging - Barry Heselden, James Jackson, Mark Ireson, Sean Thomas, cast and crew

Reviews

Wow, what can I say… Whose Life is it Anyway is spectacular. So beautifully pitched and performed. Every character we meet is so believable and essential, we adore when they return to the stage. We laughed and we cried, but more importantly we cared. Kelly Kim really did steal the show as Claire. I am still in awe of that performance, all done just with the use of her head. It was so nuanced and really did encapsulate how bright and aware the other characters described her to be. If we did SLT awards that performance would be in for a ‘nod’ I’m sure! LilyAnn’s show on the whole is a real MUST SEE. A tight cast with all the right notes. Do make sure you get a ticket as it’s such a treat.

Greg Williams

Just when you think you've seen the best of SLT another show raises the bar even higher! CONGRATULATIONS to the Whose Life company for a truly moving production! The thoughtful direction and the outstanding performances, especially Kelly Kim's tour de force, which is one of the best I've ever seen, meant that I never felt unnecessarily uncomfortable with this difficult subject!

Hayley Thomas

Whose life is it anyway? I’ve walked away speechless. Lily Ann Green what you’ve created and brought to life is so beautiful and so tender you made us feel like we’re in the room with Claire and all the staff. Speaking of…. Kelly Kim you truly are an astounding actress. From every blink to every dirty joke, you  executed it perfectly and drew us in further and further. You are sensational If you haven’t got tickets yet you MUST!!!

Florence Henderson

What a show! Brilliantly acted, directed and staged. All characters were so believable that there were times I forgot it’s a play and wanted to cheer some characters & slap some others. Brava LilyAnn - And give Kelly Kim an Olivier right now: what a nuanced performance, funny, naughty, sad, deep, angry, reflective. I couldn’t get my eyes off her and wanted to give Claire a cuddle, especially after that panic attack!! Easiest standing ovation I’ve given!!

Dru Francalanza

Just seen ‘Whose Life is it anyway’. Wow!!! Thanks for making me cry so much. Even though I knew what the play was about, the writing and the performances were such that it really hit home and the tears flowed. Luckily there was a lot of humour, which stopped me becoming a total wreck. Congratulations to everyone involved in this production, with a special mention to Kelly Kim, for managing to give such an emotional performance. Well done to Lily Ann for brilliantly directing a play with such a controversial topic. Lots to think about. If any tickets are still available, get them or you will miss a gem of a play.

Lydie Koritsas

I was totally transfixed. This is top quality theatre with very strong performances all round and Kelly playing off the chart. West End quality and for West Norwood prices! Don’t miss out.

Caroline Doyle

A totally brilliant show, very convincing all round. It's not that often that I'm lost for words 🙂 but this might be one of those times (nearly) As well as the awesome Kelly Kim I just wanted to congratulate and welcome the newbies in their first or second show and congratulate Jeanette on her 75th production, stepping in at short notice with minimal rehearsal

Helen Jones

What a tough part to play Kelly Kim, but very well done. Great supporting cast and a special mention for the mesmerising hospital porter. A surprising amount of humour for such a serious subject. Highly recommended.

Carole Coyne

Had the pleasure of seeing a dress rehearsal of 'Whose Life’ tonight-WOW! All I’m saying is miss this and miss out. Brava Lily Ann

Christine Theophilus

An excellent performance of a terrific play. Congratulations all round, but particularly to Kelly Kim in the central role. SLT at its best

Mark Ireson

Congrats all. A very tricky subject matter beautifully done. Bravo all. Really loved it.

Charlotte Benstead

Well done to cast and crew of ‘Whose Life Is it Anyway’. I thoroughly enjoyed it, the use of the space was great and wonderful, nuanced performances all round. For such sad subject matter it was a surprisingly uplifting experience overall with some lovely comedy moments. Some very strong SLT debuts too showcasing great talent! What’s not to love?

David Carr

Gallery

Reminiscences and Anecdotes

Members are encouraged to write about their experiences of working on or seeing this production. Please leave your name. Anonymous entries may be deleted.

See Also

Whose Life is it Anyway? (1982)

References

External Links

• This play on the web