In a time of pre-war political tension, gone are the days of frothy fashion journalism for Pamela More, a feisty and glamorous Times journalist who stubbornly prioritises haute-couture over Hitler. However, the scandalous abdication crisis of 1936 and the looming possibility of war forces her to look beyond the hats and furs and she is abruptly launched into a whirl of espionage, tasked by MI5 with spying on Wallis Simpson.
it would make a delightful wartime romp should it ever make the transition from stage to screen
Writer Sarah Sigal has created a memorable and highly amusing character in Pamela More, and Rebecca Dunn gives a wonderful, seamless performance without a single line out of place. She is perfect as More, delivering quick quips and witticisms in delicious RP and moving through not only a number of other characters, but also More’s political awakening with spirit, and sensitivity.
The piece as a whole had a film noir ambience, with comical, action-packed montages of More crossing Europe with Wallis Simpson’s swimsuit, and it would make a delightful wartime romp should it ever make the transition from stage to screen. Scenes are embellished with subtle but effective music that add a lot to the atmosphere of the piece, furthering its cinematic quality. There are glimpses into More’s more personal troubles that, were they further developed, would have brought an already vivid character more to life, and the story’s conclusion felt a little sudden, but there is only so much you can fit into a piece of just over an hour.
Overall it was a very engaging and impressive one-woman show that left you wanting more; easy to recommend.
