"Red Ellen" by Caroline Bird

Nottingham Playhouse.

This play is the true story of an inspiring and brilliant woman, Labour MP Ellen Wilkinson. A woman who fought for a better world as more of a revolutionary as opposed to a politician.

She battled to save Jewish refugees in Nazi Germany; campaigned for Britain to aid the fight against Franco's Fascists in Spain; led two hundred workers in the Jarrow Crusade against unemployment and poverty, all causes she pursued with a passionate, reckless conviction. This was one woman who was not afraid to tackle big issues.

She knew Einstein and Hemingway, served in Churchill's cabinet and had affairs with communist spies and government ministers.

Not having a great deal of interest in politics, Wilkinson's name is new to me, although I do remember vaguely the mention of the Jarrow marches from school history lessons; a piece of history also encapsulated by Alan Price in his hit "The Jarrow Song". With this in mind I viewed this piece of theatre as a learning curve as well as an entertaining evening out, discovering all about the woman, her life and her causes and great strength in what was a male dominated industry. Sometimes things never change. I also discovered that you don't have to have a knowledge, or even a love of politics, to enjoy this play.

Wilkinson lived from 1891 to 1947 and entered politics when she was just 16 years old in 1907, but what a life she had and what a difference she made to many people's lives on the way.

Bettrys Jones who plays Red Ellen, is on the stage for virtually all of the performance time, which also meant that all the costume changes, and there were a few, were performed on stage. I imagine Bettrys to be absolutely shattered by the end of each show due to the speed she covers the stage and the time spent on stage.

The rest of the cast are Mercedes Assad (MrAnsley/Einstein), Sandy Batchelor (Otto Katz), Laura Evelyn (Isabel Brown), Helen Katamba (Annie Wilkinson), Jim Kitson (David) and Kevin Lennon (Herbert Morrison). All these actors double up for several other roles throughout.

Wils Wilson's Direction is fast paced and brings out all the humour of politics, plus the frustration with Wilkinson's plights. The scene where Ellen dies is particularly touching as she still had so much to complete in her hectic life. The close of Act One is excellent with the Jarrow March including the whole cast, headed by Ellen, as well as eight other "ghostly" walkers, rising up from the stage.

Camilla Clarke's set design is as manic as some the action with sections being dropped in and out, burning buildings and rubble to show the bombing from the war as well as the domestic abodes and the entertainment haunts. Camilla is also responsible for the costume design which shows both ends of the spectrum, from the poor bomb victims to the high fashion of Otto's bow tie and suit.

Music and Sound Design is by Jasmin Kent Rodgman. As well as the haunting sounds of the war and bombings, complete with some of the songs from the victorious era, Vera Lynn's "We'll Meet Again" etc, there's also other music snap shots and sound bites from the particular time line covering Wilkinson's life.

Lighting Designer is Kai Fischer, and a play like this must be a joy for the Lighting Designer, due to the burning, smoking effects for the crushed buildings, as well as all the other effects for war. Brilliantly and evocatively executed.

I have probably learned more about this period of politics, and history in the two plus hours this play covers than I'd have done in a classroom, so tonight I've received quality entertainment as well as gaining quality knowledge. I actually enjoyed the story and the play more than I had anticipated, and with a cast who you can see have given everything to this fast-paced play.

I was aware that after the first act, there were a few seats that were not refilled, which is a loss to the audience members who missed an excellent part two.

"Red Ellen" is at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 30 April.

Photos by Pamela Raith.