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Ho Shu Ying & Chris Ho’s production of ‘Three Fat Virgins’
opened to a full house at the BT last night, and to an audience who, for
the most part, were decidedly curious as to what they were about to witness.
Ovidia Yu is not a writer whose works are often performed in the UK, yet
her fresh style and quirky perspectives on modern life provided a splendid
evening’s entertainment. There is something of a Singaporean Irvine
Welsh in Yu’s tight focus on character; her exploration of people
and situations throws us back and forth in time, exploring nuances of
the characters’ pasts that would seem to determine who they are today.
A generally strong cast relishes the challenge of presenting these potted
histories and vagaries of narrative; Chris Ho is particularly charming
as his collection of characters weave their way through a most convincing
transvestite exploration of the submissive wife, the dreaming school teacher
and the lover in the darkened park. Ulcca Joshi Hansen’s delightful
grasp of language and tone give her mothers, daughters and park wardens
a sublime reality that cannot fail to provoke and amuse. Casting our narrator
and the dominant husband, boss & director characters as a woman was
a decision whose logic escaped me - and dressing the actor in feminine
trousers and boots only served to complicate matters. Costume on the whole
seemed to be somewhat hit-and-miss, as did lighting and sound - which
will no doubt become more polished as the run progresses.
All in all, a well-scripted & well-directed production that will keep
your attention throughout and amuse you along the way. Something decidedly
different for a mad March evening.
James Dare, 4.3.3
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