The Variety Girls
Holt, Norfolk, England in May 1939. Jessie Delaney has it all: youth, looks, talent, handsome boyfriend Harry; all that is but a way out of the drab world she inhabits with Mum and younger brother Eddie. After the untimely death of her father, a respected classical-cum-variety musician, they’ve been taken in by mean frosty Aunt Iris and reticent Uncle Norman. However, Jessie has an engulfing passion to tread the boards herself, which prompts her to write to her Dad’s old friend and agent for help getting a foot in the stage-door. He duly obliges her with a summer season’s hoofing as one of the Variety Girls at Cleethorpes Empire; thus begins her ascent toward the oh-so-craved top billing. On that climb she encounters hiccup after hindrance as she juggles malice, worries, illness and love in a real-life offstage performance featuring as much tact and talent as she can muster.
Luckily, everyone Jessie encounters is super-friendly and kind, although a deceitful colleague exposes her naivety and tests her loyalty. She gets a lucky break thanks to another’s unlucky one which makes room on the bill for her to sing as well as dance; thenceforth all are smitten.
An anonymous cast of public extras (passers-by, cyclists, pedestrians) adds realism to the outdoor scenes, and the overall atmosphere of pre-WW2 England, not to mention that of theatre life itself, is accurately summoned. If ever there was a story exemplifying Mark Twain’s advice to “write what you know,” this is it. The author’s extensive theatrical experience and knowledge lay solid foundations for an exciting backstage drama with a fast-flowing script. Will Jessie’s aspirations and determination eventually see her name in lights? Take your seats. Cue houselights down, cue curtain up!
