We Never Clothed

"We Never Clothed" is a snapshot of two women during WWII who work at the famous Windmill Theatre. One married with kids and a husband away at war, (played by Kate Smith) and one naive and single (played by Amy Lester). The women, just like the soldiers who frequent the theatre, seek to escape the reality that is London during the Blitz.

As explained in their program notes, this setting is a backdrop used to explore the human condition during times of extreme chaos and stress. For example Moira, played by the incredible Kate Smith, is a woman trapped in (as the notes describe) a fractured relationship with a man she secretly hopes does not return from the war.

Several times during the show, there is talk of escape; escape from a bad relationship, escape from the horror of war, escape from reality. And yet as the bombs crash around them and the women huddle together in the dark, we feel how trapped they really are.

As the show moves from musical numbers on stage to the conversations backstage, Moira and Audrey expose themselves to us both literally and figuratively. Emotionally both women are quite vulnerable but there is something powerful about holding down this job performing for soldiers. In this space they feel safe and there is even a brief expression of freedom at the very end of the play - a beautiful symbol of beauty and fragility, and overcoming fear.

The dynamic between these two lovely ladies is fantastic - they are both strong performers and yet very different from one another. Under the direction of Jesse Fraser, the staging is lovely and interesting. The show has a great look to it; and the live piano for their cabaret numbers helps to transport the audience to this other time and place.

Well directed and well acted this show is funny and sad and toe-tappingly entertaining. Probably my biggest complaint is that it's short: and that' s not really a complaint. I do like the one-act format but I was enjoying myself so much that I didn't want it to end. I can only hope these ladies continue their development process and that one day there will be a full-length production.

Rating: W

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We Never Clothed runs in Arts Court Theatre June 19 - 28 as part of the Ottawa Fringe Festival