Grumpy Old Women To The Rescue at The Lowry Manchester Review

Reviewed by Kim Bickerdike

This is a simple storyline of 3 middle aged women played by Jenny Eclair, Dillie Keane and Lizzie Roper who all take on a super hero role with names befitting a middle-aged woman, such as Menopause Woman, HRT and Hack Face being asked to come out of retirement to save the world from modern day madness. The chemistry between the 3 stars was brilliant and they would lose their place or say each other’s lines, but this just added to the fun of the overall performance. The set was simple and effective and there were many props which had the audience in fits of laughter.

I’m not quite in the middle-age bracket yet but I could relate to a lot of what was being said and could certainly picture my mum having these types of conversations with other women her age, I think this show would definitely suit women over the age of 45 although offers an hilarious insight for those who are younger. The audience was also peppered with men and they too seemed to enjoy this hilarious take on getting older.

Many topics were discussed during this 90-minute performance including grandparent duties, visits to the doctors, how to spot symptoms of the menopause, family get togethers and the ‘C’ word (Christmas). This part of the show was my favourite with a very clever and witty take on the difference between how men and women approach the festive season and you are even treated to a couple of amusing Christmas parodies.

There was also a strong theme of female empowerment running through this performance and how us women should embrace our lumps, bumps and sagging breasts and ditch the Spanx! If you are struggling for gift ideas for the older ladies in your lives, then this would make a brilliant present and I am definitely taking my mum to go and see it.

I highly recommend this show for both men and women and I now feel ready to tackle middle age!

The Lowry Theatre in Salford is easy to access by car with a multi storey car park adjacent to the venue. I would recommend parking on level 3 and paying for your car park ticket on arrival (£6) this will ensure you beat the queues on the way out and guarantee you the cheaper rate of parking. Please note this is only available after 5pm.

Rating: 4/5

Grumpy Old Women is currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates visit www.grumpyoldwomenlive.com.

For other shows The Lowry in Manchester visit www.thelowry.com or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.

The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000