The Victoria Wood theatre, formerly the Old Laundry theatre, pays homage to the late performer with a new musical, Fourteen Again, marking a decade since her death. The show interweaves 12 of Wood's songs with a story about two women, Peggy and Lou, who reunite at a diet club and reflect on their past.
A Nostalgic Journey
Peggy (Sally Ann Triplett) and Lou (Ria Jones) reminisce about their school friendship and the disappointments of middle age. When Peggy wakes up as a 14-year-old again, she decides to make better choices. The plot, reminiscent of Freaky Friday and Back to the Future, initially feels like a nostalgia fest with references to Basil Brush, Nana Mouskouri, and Bejams. However, Tom MacRae's book, with additional lyrics, proves winning.
Wood's Glorious Songs
The production showcases Wood's extraordinary range, from giddy domestic delights to melancholy reflections. Songs like Don't Get Cocky satirize diet culture, while Northerners offers sharp class and regional satire. I've Had It Up to Here and Litter Bin explore unfulfilled sex lives and motherhood with astute observation.
Both Triplett and Jones, who worked with Wood, infuse their performances with warmth. Triplett mixes teen angst with menopausal spirit, while Jones excels in straight-up adolescence. Michael Chance handles smaller male roles and doubles as pianist. Despite the arch portrayal of midlife actors as teenagers, the show builds emotional momentum, leaving audiences crying for the characters and the genius who died too early.
Fourteen Again runs at the Victoria Wood theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere, until 5 June.
