Sticklers for theatre etiquette may have struggled in the music halls of the late nineteenth century, and we are reminded of their rumbustious nature by the cast of Italia Conti Ensemble’s Tipping The Velvet, who are equally as raucous in elements of their performance. Adapted from the Sarah Waters novel by Laura Wade, and under the direction of Jack Gogarty this picaresque tale is brought to life in a wonderfully atmospheric recreation of Victorian London.
Just as in the novel, the plot is a cross between a coming of age story and an examination of life’s adventures. Nancy Astley is obsessed with the music hall, and one act in particular. When given the opportunity, she leaves her parents oyster restaurant to join a ‘masher’ (a woman who performs in men’s clothing) in London. Nancy and Kitty Butler (Megan Fleet) become a double act both on and off stage, but when the relationship turns sour Nancy finds herself trying to survive, and turns herself from rent ‘boy’ to an advocate of women’s rights.
The original work was highly praised for its portrayal of lesbians in the 1890’s, a subject of which little evidence exists, and this stage version portrays the same themes with similar balance. This is very much about Nancy trying to survive in a man’s world, the fact that she is gay is only one part of the character, and her story. The storyline is complemented by a smattering of music which is played live by an on stage band, with a handful of twentieth century songs given a music hall twist and woven in to the nineteenth century setting.
While much of the production remains true to Waters’ novel, we are guided through proceedings by three chairmen (Harry O’Reilly, Nathan Braniff and Kyle Matson), their role is crucial here, firstly to keep pace with the story, and secondly to continue to the Vaudvillean themes. Our chairmen are comprised of an Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman; it may sound like the set up for a joke, but the punchline in the final scenes deliver a far more powerful message about the oppression of women.
For many of the Italia Conti students who form the Tipping The Velvet cast, this is their first opportunity to really showcase their talents, they all do a marvellous job, and are sure to rival some of the more experienced performers in Edinburgh. Amongst some exceptional performances, it is Anna McKelvie who truly shines as Nancy, her detailed and committed portrayal of the character puts her firmly at the top of the bill.
Movement, directed by Caitlin Smith, plays a pivotal role, with some of the ‘naughtier’ scenes in particular utilising the beautifully flowing choreography to great effect. The scenes aren’t really naughty, this is more of a sexual awakening than a salacious romp and in most scenes the movement blends into the background without overpowering the main narrative.
Tipping The Velvet brings a celebrated novel to life in a fascinating and absorbing dramatisation of life for a gay woman in the 19th century. The carefully crafted production, alongside a hard-working and talented cast is a joy to experience, and cannot fail to impress Edinburgh audiences this summer.
Tipping The Velvet will be at The Space @ Niddry Street 6th – 11th August 2018.
