Myra's Story

Kevin Small at The Rep Birmingham 

 

In this incredibly acted one-women show, - starring Fiona Hewitt-Twamley and written by Brian Foster - 'Myra' tells her own story, recreating characters from her past to paint a portrait of her life and explain how she now finds herself living on the streets of Dublin. Myra's fruity language and good humour from the outset gives the impression of a spirited woman who brushes off the obvious disadvantages of a shaky start in life to try and make the best of things. But life throws challenges, and ultimately it is spirit of a different kind which proves to be Myra's downfall.

Fiona Hewitt-Twamley's moving and convincing performance commanded a well deserved standing ovation. She doesn't just voice the fifteen or so different characters, she embodies them completely, switching seamlessly from adult to child, or feminine to masculine (and in one very amusing sequence, from garden gnome to Russian vodka bottle!) The figures of Tommy and Myra's father in particular were so well captured, their voices and gait so well characterised, it was hard to believe they weren't actually in the room. And then, in an instant, Mrya would return. 

It was Irish playwright, Brian Foster's (lack of) interaction with a homeless woman begging on the street - as he walked quickly by - which later compelled him to write Myra's Story. The message is clear: Myra's situation is a result of a poor hand, bad luck, unfortunate events. These things could happen to any of us. Myra and the many like her deserve to be seen for the people they are.