Peninsula Theatre Company’s of “Steaming” by Nell Dunn.
November 2004
This poignant play is set in the Turkish Room of a London Public Bath House in the early 1980’s. It is “ladies day” and the room is where they gather to take time out from their day to have a “steam”, a cold plunge, rub down, or to relax and chat. They are all from varying backgrounds and each have a different and often humorous story to tell.
When the Council threatens to close down the baths the ladies band together to help keep their haven open. It is this that draws them close and acts as a catalyst for many, helping them realise that they are not quite so different from each other after all.
This is a fantastic ensemble piece with some superb acting by local talent. Director Des Harris has assembled four existing members of Peninsula Theatre Company and three new found talents from the Northern Beaches and further a field to stage this wonderful production.
“The challenging thing about this production is that there is quite a lot of nudity and coarse language,” says Des. “Presenting a show like this with non-professional actors to Northern Beaches community theatre goers is quite a departure for us”. Casting it in the first place wasn’t that easy. “Whilst we have a dedicated band of actors who do it for love and not money, asking them to appear nude on stage drew quite a mixed response. However, we are lucky enough to have a superb cast who have no reservations”.
Now all they need is the audience. Whilst the nature of the play may appeal to a strongly female audience, the issues are relevant to anyone coming to terms with changes in their lives and being faced with a challenge of overcoming major hurdles. “It is a feel good story,” comments Des, “especially when they take on the establishment of the Council, something I think we can all relate too! It’s also quite funny with a some strong comic performances, it will have wide appeal”.
