Jan, Linda, Pearl, and Shelly are visiting down under using their winnings from a horse race. The prize was life changing and the four ladies who have always worked in a fish factory and known nothing else are still adjusting to the changes in their own way.

The girls are off on the holiday of a lifetime and to reunite Joe with Jan and everyone has different expectations of what to expect –  from living it up like a celebrity to panicking they have made a big mistake.

Ladies Down Under is a fun homage to everything Australian – celebrating the Goddess that is Kylie, cute Koalas and of course the soap legends that are Neighbours and Home and Away.

Technology was still on the edge of exploding into the life we know today, smart phones were very new and disposable cameras were still the go to despite the emergence of digital…social media had only just begun.

Through simplistic but clever scenery and skilled lighting the story takes us through the fluorescent, tightly packed aeroplane through to the dazzling Bondi beach and the sweltering Bush.

The soundtrack will make you want to sing along with some of the favourites – such as Torn by Natalie Imbruglia and Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the waves.

Unlike more traditional plays we see a more saga-based theme and characters are modern with everyday problems.

Whittington examines the diversity of women through the four contrasting characters. She explores the messy dynamics of life, with the ongoing theme that we are allowed to have dreams and live them whoever we are.

The ensemble cast work as equals and all give stand out performances plus give a huge welcome to real life Australian actor Richard Lund, who brings an authentic accent and is a ray
of sunshine.

Gareth Cassidy – the master of disguise – has audiences laughing with his variety of crazy characters, but also his heartwarming performance as Joe.

The friendship between a group of ladies is a wonderful phenonomen. They all raise each
other up but throw in banter for good measure.

With mixed ages the dynamics are more like a family then friends – which the character Shelly (Annie Kirkman) points out when referring to Pearl replacing the mother she lost.

Kirkman’s performance was outstanding with brilliant comic timing and dedication to her character who has more complexities than we first perceive.

This is a fun, fast paced warming comedy that will fill your cup. There are many fun cameo characters and a few surprises that will bring on the belly laughs. Prepare to laugh and maybe cry at this beautiful and thoroughly entertaining show.

Without a doubt 5 Stars!

Ladies Down Under is at the New Vic Theatre until Saturday 30 March. Details and ticket information can found here – https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/productions/ladies-down-under/

(All images by Andrew Billington)