Ladies’ night at the bath house

Press, 15 May 1985, Page 22

Ladies’ night at the bath house

It is the weekly ladies’ day in an enormous and decaying bath house in London’s East End. A group of women from all walks of life meet here regularly to gossip, argue and enjoy themselves. This is the setting of “Steaming” by Nell Dunn, the outrageous and hilarious play that opens at the Theatre Royal on May 22, presented by the Court Theatre Company.

When these women learn that their steaming refuge is marked for demolition, they join together in protest to save the old place. Nell Dunn’s play has been a success wherever it has been performed. Mrs Meadow, an elderly East Ender, comes to the bath house each week with her simple-minded daughter, Dawn, whose energies are held in check by heavy doses of suppressants.

Nancy and Jane come from much wealthier backgrounds. Josie is a tart, violet, the bath attendant, looks after them all. Aileen O’Sullivan directs a strong cast that comprises Beryl King (from London), Fran Waters, Lin Waldegrave, Sandra Rasmussen, Geraldine Brophy and Fleur Tudor and (off stage — the only man) Nicholas Mcßryde. On stage is a large plunge

pool heated to temperatures that will make it possible for the actresses to plunge into without fear of pneumonia on a May night inChristchurch. This pool is part of Tony Geddes’ set that accurately recreates the tiled Victorian monstrosities built last century to keep London’s poor clean. Patrons are advised that the play contains coarse language and nudity. The season will run to June 1.