Review: 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE is a Delicious Helping of a Cheeky Comedy
By: Lindsay Kruger Feb. 20, 2019
One of the latest offerings from Mish Mash Media Productions, 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE returns to the Artscape Arena before heading to the Galloway Theatre for a 2 week run. The fast-paced, 50s fabulous comedy sees a powerhouse of local actresses at its helm and guarantees a night of naughty giggles, gasp-worthy plot twists, and hilarious moments of audience participation.
Written in 2014, the award-winning Off-Broadway play is set in America 1956 where the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein is holding their annual quiche breakfast. Welcomed as a fellow member of the society, you're drawn into the various journeys of self-discovery of the 5 society sisters in one night, as they navigate Communistic bomb threats and idyllic, societal pressures.
Following from the original production in August, the cast has simply adapted from 
the previous run's direction and it is clear that - even with one new cast member - they are entirely comfortable with their onstage action and glide through a rollercoaster of happenings like a well-oiled baking dish. Although at times slightly over-the-top, anything watered down in the decked-out retro setting complete with women in victory rolls and red nails would seem out of place.
Each of the all-female cast embraces their role spectacularly. President of the society Lulie, played by Regina R. Malan, is the more straight-forward (no pun intended) of the bunch whose late arrival on stage brings a slight sense of order to A jam-packed hour of escapades. Her sister-in-administrative-arms, Imke Du Toit as the pant-suit, minimal makeup wearing Vern is just as memorable. Her slight Southern drawl remains just as strong as the play's copious amounts of innuendos as she places herself at the forefront of the safety and stability of the "widows".
British expat Ginny is the more soft-spoken of the bunch. Played by Jessica Stanley, her initial trepidation on stage contrasts with the boisterous costars nicely as she paints herself the awkward, neurotic team member we all recognize and love. Stepping into the role of Wren at short notice, Nurit Graff proves herself as much as an old-hand of the society as her counterparts, and her pint-sized physique gives way to unmatchable audibility and emotion in her character.
A personal standout was Lee van der Merwe as the aquatic- and male-fearing Dale. Her incredible physicality and comfort on stage translates so smoothly into the audience that it's hard not to be drawn in by her quirky facial expressions and excellent comedic timing.
As enjoyable as it is unexpected, 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE is a breath of fresh air to the Cape Town theatre scene that completely transports you to the feeling of sitting on a fold-out plastic chair as you play witness to the frivolous antics of this vintage society. A definite recommendation for any lover of quiche, quiche-curious, or anyone wanting a slice of slap-happy theatre.
Photo credit: Yasmin Hankel
5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE will be performed at Artscape Arena until 23 February. Tickets cost from R150 to R180. Bookings can be made at Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.com or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. It will also be showing at the Galloway Theatre 27 February - 9 March at 8pm with tickets from R120 to R150. Bookings can be made at https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/lesbians-eating-a-quiche-2019.
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