Grumpy Old Women Live
You have probably seen the television series countless times, but now it is your chance to catch the comedy as three ‘grumpy old women’ take to the stage. ‘Grumpy Old Women Live’ is a recording of a full performance at the Richmond Theatre in London, featuring the talents of Jenny Éclair, Dillie Keane and Linda Robson.
As expected, much of the show is comical as the trio moan about various issues. At the opening, they ‘invade’ the stage dressed in mackintoshes and laden with Lakeland Plastics carrier-bags. Having an introduction, delivered as though it was an air safety warning was a particularly nice touch, with the fire exits and other useful information.
To start with Jenny, Dillie and Linda, attempted to define what a grumpy old woman actually is, leading to some audience interaction. It appeared that most of the audience was made up of women and was probably a ‘menopausal hen-party’.
Making lists was an important feature of the show and provided the first of several ‘musical items’, leading nicely into ‘rules about what to wear’ and the comment that Trinny and Susannah are merely ‘gay men in drag’. As examples of clothes that shouldn’t be warn the women threw off their mackintoshes revealing that they were in fact wearing nighties, their teenage daughter’s clothes and tight dresses.
Other humorous moans focused on diets and Linda Robson claiming that as part of her personal balanced diet, she would have ‘a plate of vegetables, on top of that, balanced a great big steak & kidney pie and chips. Having never before seen Dillie Keane, she came across as a delightful woman who could be relied upon for a good rant and provided a good share of the humour.
During the second half the women, delved into their plastic bags showing a wealth of exciting products that could be purchased, such as glow in the dark coasters which are the safe alternative to waving lighters at pop concerts. However there was some optimism, in that there are always the ‘good old days’ to look back on and once ‘the kids have left home; you’re free to join the national trust’ was another funny insight which the audience appreciated.
Towards the end of the show there is a whole section devoted to ‘tutting’ which will make sense once put into context. One of my favourite gags of the show was when the women were complaining about young people and sex- canoodling at the bus-stop. This prompted an encouraging message to the audience to go into the streets and start some ‘geriatric street sex’.
As part of the finale, the women voiced their anthem to the national anthem before declaring their manifesto. They then sang along to ‘Silver Lining’ and waltzed off into the sunset on a mobility scooter. A fitting end to a great show.
