Reviews

Some younger members of the Nottingham Arts Theatre are acting in “Daisy Pulls It Off”.  Written by Dennis Deegan the play was first performed in Southampton in 1983 and then went to the West End where it became a smash hit.  Written in a style that is a parody of the schoolgirl stories of the period in which it was set this is an extremely funny play.

Set in the 1920’s at an upper class boarding school the simplistic plot revolves around Daisy Meredith, the first ever elementary school girl to gain a scholarship to the exclusive Grangewood School belonging to the impoverished Beaumont family. Daisy excels both at her studies and in sport.

Some of the other pupils are dismayed to have a working class girl in their midst presuming her to be a second class citizen unable to appreciate and live up to the high moral standards associated with girls of good breeding.  To prove the point horrid Sybil Burlington does all in her power to show that common girls do not belong at Grangewood.

The intrigue continues as Daisy struggles to prove that she is not a sneak, a liar, a cheat or a thief. Can she find the hidden treasure and save the Beaumont family from ruin?

Lois Deeny was excellent as Daisy, her words were audible and her emotions showed in her face and voice.  Her best friend Trixie was played with great enthusiasm by Alice Pilkington.

Rosie Lenaghan as Sybil Burlington played her part very well giving her character the priggishness that the role required.

The rest of the cast performed with verve, at times some of the girls exuberance made their lines too hurried and some of the words were lost, but all in all the was an enjoyable performance.

4/5