Have you ever been stood behind an ‘avocado-loving, au-naturel-feeding, Mozart-listening’ parent in a coffee shop? No? Well, Jude has. Have you ever had to attend a support group for anger management because you ‘accidentally-on-purpose' kicked a pram - that did not contain a baby - down a few steps, out of a coffee shop? Nope? Only Jude again then?!
Sadie Haslers ‘Pramkicker’ played The Greater Manchester Fringe at The Kings Arms in Salford, and it was a winner. Staged in an intimate theatre above a pub, ‘Pramkicker’ transported you through numerous emotions all with the help of your own imagination and a few props. Setting the stage with two fold-up chairs, the audience were introduced to Jude and Suzie. Jude is a 30 something, strong, opinionated and witty woman who doesn’t want kids, by choice. Suzie is 8 years Jude’s junior, she’s sassy, kind-hearted and has the upmost admiration for her sister Jude.
Throughout this 90-minute piece the character of Jude played by Coral Sinclair, is pressured to release the reason why she doesn’t want to have children: the speculation of a sexual assault may be the reason why, her readiness to become pregnant might be what’s stopping her… OR… the downright fact she just doesn’t feel the urge to have children and she’s okay with that. Suzie, played by Tilly Sutcliffe, on the other hand supports Jude’s decision even though it intrigues her, however, when she discovers she is pregnant herself the audience witness Suzie and Jude’s relationship shatter before them. Considering her options Suzie decides to have an abortion, another topic women should feel empowered to talk about as opposed to being judged. Suzie’s decision rocks Jude but allows the audience to see the strong relationship that holds both girls together.
I believe Coral Sinclair was the perfect woman to play the role of Jude. Her charismatic yet audacious acting created a coldness which allowed the audience to gently warm to this character and to the subject being explored. Her interacting with the audience kept us engaged and subtly humoured at the dark script that was leaving her mouth. The audience were gripped and held onto every emotion her character felt: especially when re-enacting the characters past drug related turmoil. At one point I had to remind myself this was a script and not Frances real life, she was that believable.
The focus of Sinclair being the main protagonist allowed Sutcliffe’s multi-rolling to shine throughout the performance. With appearances from ‘Belinda’, the hilarious ‘batty boy’ and ‘Pram Mom’, Sutcliffe gave the audience unlimited amounts of laughs ever when the tone was leaning towards the more serious side of things. Her wonderful over-the-top facial expressions combined with her stereotypical body language allowed the audience to relate to each character whilst giving it a personal twist. This all contributed to the breath of fresh air that was Suzie! Each minute whilst watching these two ladies I felt empowered, I felt empathy for the characters and I felt as if I knew them both on a personal level, identifying with moments from each character.
The play's main theme of childless women is a theme I believe we should be talking more about, especially in the modern era that we now live in. The debate surrounding if it is the right choice if a woman doesn’t want children is more prominent now than ever. This then begs the question why do we critique or frown upon a woman whose decision is not to reproduce?
A fantastic performance from Postcard Theatre Company and a well-deserved standing ovation at the end. If you haven’t watched 'Pramkicker' I highly recommend you do!
Reviewer - Caroline Bleakley
on - 14/7/19
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