Manbags and Gladrags – a review

On Wednesday 22nd May 2024, Sleaford Playhouse hosted a matinee performance of sixteen original monologues written by local writers who attend my creative writing group, Sleaford Pen Friends. We meet every week to create poetry and prose in a fun and relaxed environment and, recently, some of the members have written performance monologues which they wanted to share with an audience.

Each monologue was about five minutes long and explored various themes and situations in comic and dramatic styles. The afternoon was a huge success and I was immensely proud of the writers I mentor. I even included a cheeky monologue of my own called Manbags and Gladrags, which was performed wonderfully by Tony Gordon. Here is a short review of my piece by Kim Rayner: 

Manbags and Gladrags, written by Kei Bailey, performed by Tony Gordon

I can’t think of a better way to spend a wet Wednesday afternoon than watching the performance of some cleverly constructed and witty monologues.  Manbags and Gladrags by Kei Bailey definitely did not disappoint.  Tony’s appearance set the scene as the widower, Howard, a reserved man with a rather pedestrian life since the death of his wife.  That was until he met the exotic Eddie at “line dancing of all places”.

Eddie revolutionised Howard’s life by introducing him to the secrets and joys of the manbag, rather unfortunately slung haphazardly around his neck much like you would a pair of binoculars.  However, that would be my only criticism of the performance.

Hearing those manbag secrets (especially as a weapon of rebellion against the superior sex – us women) was somewhat perplexing and enlightening to a habitual user of a handbag.  Maybe I should carry a box of mini screwdrivers?

The piece had flow and a lovely pace captivating the audience, drawn into the likeable persona of Howard portrayed so well by Tony, taking them on quite a journey.  Much like the one our hero had been on courtesy of the flamboyant Eddie.

The twist at the end was quite a surprise and had the audience roaring with laughter.

A must see: if you are lucky enough to get the chance.

Kim Rayner

29/5/2024