Film & Theatre, Reviews | Posted on February 5th, 2025 | return to news
The Killing of Sister George
Bournemouth Little Theatre
Review by Gill Hayes
‘The Killing of Sister George’ may seem tame in this day and age, but in 1964 the play, written by Frank Marcus, was highly controversial. Followed by the film in 1968, directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Beryl Reid, it was the first mainstream depiction of a lesbian relationship and consequently received an X rating.
The story revolves around a radio soap opera actress, June Buckridge (nicknamed Sister George after her character) whose life begins to unravel as she worries whether her character will be written out of the series. While Sister George is kindly and beloved in the soap opera, June is the opposite: a foul-mouthed, outrageous, controlling woman, who lives with the long-suffering Alice ‘Childie’ McNaught.
The BLT production is expertly directed by Rachael de Courcy Beamish, with an all-female cast. Full of wit and humour, interwoven with angst and venom, the production left the audience questioning the complexities and frailties of life and love not only in the 1960s but in today’s society.
The cast are to be praised for their performances demonstrating heightened emotions and comic timing which had the audience laughing out loud.
Belinda Harward gave an outstanding performance as the complex, deeply troubled central character. She conveyed the anger and vitriol of the embittered Sister George, as well as her vulnerable, sarcastic side. Belinda holds the play together expertly.
The cast are all to be commended but particularly Kim Fletcher, playing Mrs Mercy Croft, who had me crying with laughter until her true, malevolent intentions were revealed at the end of the performance.
The off-stage sound effects and theme tune were a subtle nod to the radio play at the heart of the story.
The play runs every night until 8 February at 7.45pm. Get your tickets now! https://www.bournemouthlittletheatre.co.uk/next-production
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