THEATRE REVIEW 2025
poor shirley must make her escape
drayton arms THEATRE
WRITER / DIRECTOR:
Tom George Hammond
CAST:
Shirley: Maya McQueen
Kieran: Will Taylor
Soldier: Daniel Copeland
Photos: Ross Kernahan, ChewBoy Productions
DRAYTON ARMS THEATRE
MARCH, 19, 2025
★★★★
Shirley, Maya McQueen, a bride in distress, sits alone in a train compartment when the door swings open and in walks Kieran, Will Taylor, suffering from a significant hangover. After some platitudes, Shirley is more content to just be left alone, but Kieran doesn’t seem quite ready to sit in silence. As the train journeys through Budapest, Shirley and Kieran gradually share more about themselves, ultimately recognising the value of their bond as they both contemplate their upcoming paths.
I have an unspoken hierarchy when it comes to how I like to travel. Plane, only when any other travel is unavailable; car/bus for those times you just feel the need to travel through the night, and trains. Travel by rail has the capacity to evoke a profound sense of emotional resonance. It may be that the opportunity to move about the train or to sit across from a stranger with the hope of starting a conversation, as exemplified by Kieran and Shirley, is a contributing factor. Or it may be the rapid passage of time as we are hastened towards our ultimate destination, with the scenery offering a temporary reprieve from our reflections.
Kieran and Shirley appeared to be fated to encounter one another. This occurrence is not merely coincidental; it signifies destiny intervening to create a bond that enables them to contemplate their thoughts, articulate the challenges they are confronting, and ultimately realise that they may be alright.
Shirley's difficulties arise from her relationship with her mother, which, from Shirley's perspective, has deteriorated progressively. Her decision to leave represents her initial act of autonomy, despite her uncertainty regarding her destination or what lies ahead. This marks a courageous instance for her to begin to lead her own life.
Any guidance offered is often the counsel that is most needed by the one providing it. A noteworthy element of playwright Tom George Hammond's script is that, fundamentally, Kieran genuinely engages with Shirley's insights. Although Kieran's self-assurance may initially seem somewhat overconfident, this perception fades as he becomes more attentive and supportive of Shirley's emotional expression. These two sharply contrasting individuals exhibit a remarkable fearlessness in their efforts to communicate sincerely with each other. Being unfamiliar with one another enables them to sidestep the typical social discomfort and gradually foster trust in their relationship.
"Both Taylor and McQueen exhibit a connection that captivates the audience immediately upon their introduction."
As the playwright shifts his attention to Kieran and the circumstances that have brought him aboard this train hurrying through the hinterlands of Eastern Europe, the mood transforms when he discusses the brother of his uncle's wife. This segment is profoundly impactful, evoking both emotional resonance and sorrow, and it is here that Kieran reveals a moment of vulnerability. However, he is not entirely candid with Shirley, who, on doing math on his uncle-in-law’s Weekend Magazine collection, it appears the tragedy may be a lot closer than he wants to share.
Both Taylor and McQueen exhibit a connection that captivates the audience immediately upon their introduction. The genuineness of their characters sincerely draws you in. Furthermore, there exists a profound awareness of the societal and personal pressures that individuals face in trying to traverse their own lives and discover who they are.
The story of Shirley and Kieran can be interpreted, at least from my perspective, as an exploration into a young man's experience of grief for a person who held tremendous value in his life, leading him to dread encountering a similar fate. However, destiny intervenes, allowing him to connect with Shirley. In response, he endeavours to 'rescue' Shirley; this is poignantly illustrated by the playwright in a specific moment within their compartment as Kieran gazes at the slumbering soldier, Daniel Copeland. Just as one is ready to give up, someone comes into your life and gives you hope. This somewhat shifts focus from the relationship between Kieran and Shirley; the playwright subtly conveys that in realising Shirley's significance to him, Kieran recognises that in his effort to save her, he is, in fact, seeking to save himself.
One element of the play that I believe could be omitted in future versions is the inclusion of music. I felt it would be more effective to have Shirley listening to the music solo and the audience not privy to her playlist. That said, Hammon's text is full of heart, hope, feeling, and humour. On leaving the theatre, I did a Google search and discovered the song Poor Shirley by Christopher Cross, and the more I listened to the song, the more I was affected by the originality of Hammon's text and standout performances from McQueen and Taylor.
Poor Shirley Must Make Her Escape is a unique piece of new theatre that is bold in its scope and unique in its themes.