Performance made us all laugh and cry

Ladies Go Diva at Sudbury’s Quay Theatre last week was an event not to be missed.

Women of a certain age – and a few men – just loved this saucy, hilarious and poignant offering from four very talented ladies, Helen Goldwyn, Lisa Peace, Katherine Mount and Teresa Barlow.

Using the medium of song, interspersed with banter, the women set out to tackle subjects that are not often talked about, such as mid-life crises, lesbianism, childbirth and even miscarriage.

The latter was sung about in a sensitive and heartfelt way, and there were certainly some damp eyes in the audience – including mine.

But overall, the evening had a high feel-good factor, engendered by the brilliant lyrics written by Helen, and some fantastic singing, supported in great style by talented pianist Teresa.

Starting with the raunchy and upbeat number Sex in the City, the ladies burst on to stage with lots of attitude and personality. Amid much laughter, they explored the ups and downs of being a career girl and the problems of being single in a world where dating has no rules any more.

Women in the 40-plus age group will identify with their laugh-out-loud song that bemoans that there’s always someone prettier and younger than us.

It reminded me of a card I saw and had to buy – a gorgeous young girl with a perfect figure is sharing a changing room with a 40-something who is struggling to get into a size 16. She looks over and declares: “Yes, I am over 40 – your turn will come.”

Ladies Go Diva made us laugh and cry all at the same time, and it was the perfect antidote to a grey and foggy November evening.

Sadly, this was a one-nighter, the London-based quartet will be in Maidenhead by the time you read this. But please come back to Sudbury again soon, ladies ...