Miss Nobodies Review

The Scout and Guide Hall was transformed into a cabaret club courtesy of TAVA (Travelling Artists Visiting Audlem) on Saturday for a show by Black Liver.

Settled at our tables with our chosen drinks and nibbles brought from home, we were treated to a series of cameos illustrating stories of the lives of (mainly) women centred around the changing fortunes of the Old Tin Bath Shop.

Though a mixture of comedy, readings, poetry and music written by Ruth Cockburn and performed by her with fellow performer, Keith Carter, the show was engaging, thought-provoking and funny.

Inspired by research into pioneer working class female novelist, Ethel Carnie Holdsworth, Ruth Cockburn conjured a host of characters spanning 100 years of connection to the imaginary shop premises, telling their stories in an entertaining and imaginative way.

There was some audience participation too which challenged the performers to respond spontaneously, to the amusement of both them and the audience.

Well done to TAVA for putting on the show – yet another example of the enterprise and diversity of activity and entertainment in the village.

Adrian Farrow