Virginia Ironside’s take on reaching 60 and beyond at the Mercury in Colchester last night was a warmly funny 75 minute show, if a little formulaic in the topics discussed. Memory, book clubs, cruises, ridiculously energetic friends and ‘foot care’ all featured in a series of wry observations.
Never to be mistaken for a stand up, this show succeeded precisely because she remained herself, a witty and perceptive author turned raconteur who was particularly sharp on ‘senior moments’, irritating but loving friendships and the inexplicable, sudden and worrying interest in gardening and bird watching. Gentle and heart warming in the main, but sprinkled with occasional left fields observations about potential drug use (we should try them, what have we got to lose) befitting the self-confessed groovy rock chick of the 60s. Her observations on death were poignant and well judged, although as I was one of the younger members of the audience, maybe that’s easier for me to say than some. All done without a script or cues – not bad for a 69 year old!