As we get into our seats the three performers are already in the space, creating. Gently but delicately they weave in and out of each other in a maypole dance, slowly plaiting three ribbons together. Devised and performed by Alicia Badger, Madison Chippendale and Lana Filies, ‘Hemlines’ follows three eternally bound seamstresses as they sew and send their garments into historical canon. They made Jackie O’s pink outfit and toe socks and everything else in between.
The three actors balance each other’s energy on stage. Chippendale provides us with a jaded Dorris, whose hopes and dreams have extinguished far before we’ve met her. Badger’s precise movement is mesmerizing to watch, suiting her uptight and hardworking character, Elenor. Filies successfully interrupts this energy and status quo, always moving, always talking, and always sharp on her delivery. So when her character Flossy becomes the inciting incident, shenanigans and revelations of secrets two centuries old unravel in comedic fashion.
The songs throughout ‘Hemlines’ are well structured both within themselves and within the greater narrative. They give us insight and well crafted jokes without staying past their welcome. The direction by Amelia Gilday is stylish and clean, complimenting the songs. There is good use of repetition and sequences throughout which do well to both give us a visual wonder as well as progress time. There is a sequence using a measuring tape that is my personal favourite, where the props get to become spectacle as well as literal tools for the characters.
The costumes and personal props are sparse yet full of character, from nearly nude apron prints to their matching bloomers. My personal favourite is the cigarette holder that Dorris uses in order to not contaminate the fabrics.
I am a little confused on whether the clothes were literal or more conceptual as they often referred to famous outfits such as Audrey Hepburn’s dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s but they simultaneously seemed to be responsible for The Great Depression?
But overall, ‘Hemlines’ is an incredibly funny and entertaining show. I can’t wait to see what they cook up next!
