Doris Day took to the stage once more in The Doris Show at Brighton Fringe last night with a very personal portrayal of the much-loved star.
Doris Daydream presented her Doris as a woman looking back over her life. She’s just won an award and is very proud of it, which prompts her to embark on a sentimental journey through the highlights and lowlights of her life. We were taken back to where she started, to the hopes and dreams she once had, and to how she got her break. We were party to her marriage successes and failures, the moments she soared in the limelight and the moments when she wanted to move forward but was held back by herself and her situation. And throughout there were the songs – an amazing catalogue of wonderful tunes that still resonate today.
Doris Daydream’s love of the music came across – she was clearly proud of the real Doris and wanted to share this with the audience. By asking us to join in with the singing, she allowed us to revel in our own memories of the songs and how they came into our own lives. This was a stripped-back performance, with few props and little of Doris’s glamour, but it felt genuine. The music from Calamity Jane was performed in the trademark tasselled jacket, but it was mainly Doris doing what she loved – filling the world with music.
This show presented a loving interpretation of a star who has perhaps disappeared from our memories of late, but for those who remember and for those who want to discover, it is a lovely way to hear a story told by someone who counts themselves a fan. Jackie Mitchell was generous in sharing the songs and music, bringing us back to a place we may have forgotten. The Lantern Theatre was also a great venue for such a personal performance.
This was the last night of a 3-date run in Brighton Fringe, but further dates can be found on the show’s website.
