 The idea of the play by David Mamet is
the expression Boston Marriage, meaning a pair of co-habiting
women. It came into use in New England at the turn of the 20th
century when the play was set.
The two main characters are Anna (played
by Caroline Dyott), mistress to some vague man of wealth, but
openly in love with Claire (played by Victoria Ross), a lesbian. Claire
wishes to use Anna's residence to pursue a lesbian affair with a
much younger woman, obviously to Anna's displeasure. The dialogue
between the two scheming women is in the style of Noel Coward with
flowery language and biting put-downs. Constantly interrupting the
abundant flow of words is the couthy Scots Maid (played by Lily
Sykes), who appears to blubber at the slightest opportunity to
provide an element of slapstick comedy.
A complex story unfolds which is resolved
with a happy ending - perhaps? Given that all the action takes
place in the one location using a minimal set, the three actresses
do well to hold and retain the attention of the audience.
They also look physically right for the roles they play. Well
directed and an interesting play, but its wordiness might not
appeal to all.
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