The evening continued (see previous review for the first part) at Oldham Library Theatre with Next Page Productions' performance of a one-woman show, 'SIMply Joan'; a lovely little insight into the actress best known for her many appearances in the Carry On films, Joan Sims.
Taking on the role of Sims was the company's producer, Caroline Nash, and in this hour-long play Nash gave us a beautifully nuanced and thoughtful performance. I would not have immediately recognised the character on stage as being Joan Sims, but that didn't matter; we bought into it completely and accepted her as Sims right from the start.
Joan Sims is actually one of that era's actresses I knew little about. Hattie Jacques and Barbara Windsor being far more documented and lauded, and so it was truly lovely to learn more about one of the lesser known actresses. Her friendship with Hattie Jacques, and the offer of marraige from Kenneth Williams of all people, and how she reacted to both and their passings was truly heart-wrenching; and yet, there was good use of humour and good-old thespian cat-calling too.
A very intelligently thought-through piece, which, not only showed Sims to be a flawed but sincere human being, but provided a lovely platform for Nash to show us her acting talents too. A delightfully entertaining and educational hour of simply Joan!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 9/7/19
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