The fabulous Jackie Clarke will deliver a superb one-woman show about the funnier side of heartache, in My Brilliant Divorce, by Geraldine Aron, directed by Janice Finn, at The PumpHouse Theatre in Takapuna this May. Dawn French played the role on the West End, which gives an indication of the play being a perfect vehicle for iconic comedy actresses. And yes, even in divorce there is comedy!
A multi-talented award winning New Zealand institution (with an MNZM in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 2018 for her services to the entertainment industry), Jackie Clarke has been delighting audiences for over thirty five years. Equally at ease on stage, making music or as a comedic raconteur, Jackie has also made a life-long habit out of singing with other woman (When The Cat’s Been Spayed and The Lady Killers) and as a Jubilation Choir member for 20 years. She has toured with Dave Dobbyn and Annie Crummer and curated musical theatre revues with Ellie Smith, Tina Cross and Tim Beverage. Jackie has performed with all of New Zealand's orchestras, guest-hosted tv shows and judged New Zealand Idol and Showcase.
Returning to work with Tadpole Theatre after her stand-out performance in Shirley Valentine in 2021, her role in My Brilliant Divorce centres around Angela, a Kiwi with a disapproving Irish mother and a wealthy English husband she married on her OE in London where, 20 years later, she still resides. Husband Max has run off with a younger woman…. the first of many it turns out. As if being dumped was not enough, her teenage daughter moves out to live with a drummer, leaving Angela to cope with her dog – and all the aftermath of middle-aged loneliness. Wildly funny and intelligent, the humour is sharp and constant as she navigates life experiences in her new normal. She is dotty, resourceful and often totally misguided, but very identifiable to so many.
Observations about jealousy and the absurdities of life are devastatingly honest, as well as hugely empathetic and amusing. These are highlighted by the diverse characters we hear offering advice on the end of Angela’s phone, including funny and not frightfully helpful “help lines”, her ex-husband, legal and medical advice, some hilarious interactions with shop assistants and from Ireland, her decidedly unsympathetic mother. She navigates this new minefield of money worries, awful jobs, solitary holidays, disastrous dates and insecurities with considerable charm and a bucket-load of comic skill.
Do not miss this gem of a play starring a New Zealand Ttreasure!
PumpHouse Theatre in Takapuna from 16 to 26 May 2024
Bookings – phone 09-489-8360 pumphouse.co.nz
