BELLY LAUGHS AT THE MILL
A world-premere in the mould of Calendar Girls is coming to The Mill this month. TAZ USHER finds out more
AN EXOTIC tale of risktaking, stomach jiggling, and empowerment promises a belly full of laughter for visitors to a world premiere at The Mill at Sonning.
Brand new production A Belly Full will shimmy its way on to the stage from tonight, bringing with it two hours of entertainment and original humour which audiences won’t rush to forget.
The vibrant comedy follows the journeys of seven women who put their hips and minds to the test when learning to belly dance.
And, thanks to their ambitious teacher Shalimar, it’s not just new moves which the ladies strut away with – they come away with a fresh outlook to life, a confidence boost and new friendships too.
Jacqueline Roberts plays the role of Shalimar and describes her character as “bossy, exotic and faced with the challenge of teaching these ordinary women to belly dance”.
She may have joined the cast with no previous experience of belly dancing but says: “It’s been an amazing learning curve and I hope to continue with it after the show”.
Sabina Franklyn, playing Rose, added: “Getting our tummies out on the first day was quite scary.
“But once we got to know each other we realised that it’s not about having a perfect body, it’s about who you are inside.”
A Belly Full explores the many ways that women cope with the demands of life and tells the story of an unusual group of women who form an atypical bond with the help of their dance teacher.
And this is much the case in real life.
Reflecting on the rehearsal process, choreographer Lena Palmer says:
“It was challenging in the beginning but we grew to trust each other. I am so proud of them all.”
This colourful production isn’t just a story about women.
It also follows the lives of characters Brian and Ravi whose relationships with two of the women are crucial to the story.
Regardless of dancing ability, there’s a character that every audience member will relate to.
So whether it’s a menopausal mother, a stroppy teenager or socially awkward husband that you identify with, the plot guarantees much food for your thought.
Dharmesh Patel, playing Ravi, describes A Belly Full as “a story for all ages” which Sabina adds: “you could bring an 18-year-old and gran too”.
Writers Marcia Kash and Mary Colin Chisholm envision that the production will match the popularity of Stepping Out and Calendar Girls.
Is dance what these women need to overcome a mid-life crisis and learn to listen to their hearts? The proof is in the pudding.
A Belly Full will be performed from May 2- June 15 at The Mill, Sonning. Tickets are from £51 and include a two-course meal before the show. For more details, or to book, call 0118 969 8000 or log on to www.millatsonning.com.