Review: Everlasting Cake (The Questors Theatre)

Review by Amelia Hayward

⭐️⭐️ 

Set in a care home, Everlasting Cake tells the story of a group of self-named ‘Inmates’ who, for all intents and purposes, live a monotonous life in the hell of Sleepy Hollow Care Home — watched over by their menacing owners, Faye (Lisa Varty) and her highly strung husband and chef, Derek (Jolyon Houghton). Everything changes when new resident Janet arrives and stands up to the formidable pair. She reluctantly, at first, forms a friendship with fellow resident and roommate Elsie and, on a midnight walk, stumbles on the recipe to an ‘everlasting cake’.

Told through the eyes of young Elsie, played by Lauren McGee, who weaves in and out of scenes in her role of the narrator. The first act, while slow to get going, creates a strong foundation for the characters, who are discontent and often at odds with each other over their dull life at Sleepy Hollow Care Home. From eternally hungry Patricia (Patricia O’Brien) to wannabe stripper George (Derek Stoddart), each resident has their own quirks and highlights. There is great use of puppetry in the form of care home cat Mrs Pickles, masterfully puppeteered by Klara Wit. Going into the interval, you felt a good sense of a solid setup, from comedy to poignancy, with the expectation that Act Two would neatly tie up the loose ends.

However, Act Two, it seemed, was much less thought out and rehearsed than the first. Much of Act Two is set out as a farce, from a musical mouse chase to watching the ‘inmates’ live out their fantasies in the form of a cabaret show hosted by resident William (Anthony Curran). Seemingly, all because they had eaten a slice of the ‘everlasting cake’. While often funny, it seemed Act Two descended into madness and didn’t tie up any of the lingering questions left from the poignancy of Act One. In fact, it seemed that too many themes were introduced without giving the more interesting ones any further thought.  

One such theme is young Elsie's interactions with Old Monty (John Dobson), a former resident. His story feels brushed over, despite being one of the more compelling. Whenever Old Monty appears, John Dobson’s performance is captivating, and you can’t help but wish the play had given his arc more attention. This is also the same when introducing the link between Old Monty and Elsie's late husband, Norman, whom we never see.

Written and directed by Dan Dawes, Everlasting Cake was commissioned during the pandemic and marks Dawes’ fifth play to be produced by Questors. Community is clearly at the centre of The Questors Theatre, with many of the cast being longstanding members - some for over 40 years. Both Elsies, played by Sarah Morrison and Lauren McGee, are long-time members too. McGee has a voice made for jazz; while the jazz interludes didn’t always match the story, her vocals were a standout of the show.

The ensemble hosts a strong mix of characters- each one proving vital to understanding the camaraderie of the group. Two particularly strong performances came from Annie Harries as the serial lovable alcoholic, Harriet and defiant newcomer Janet, played by Wendy Mageney. However, as mentioned, you can’t help but feel some of their stories were more interesting than that of the Everlasting Cake itself.

Designed by Bron Blake, the staging was simple yet effective. The use of levels to depict the Jazz Club and care home was well thought out, though not always used to its full potential. Lighting by Robyn Backhouse and Andrew Whadcoat proves essential, helping shift the story from inside to outside, from living room to kitchen, in a matter of seconds without the need for lengthy interludes.

Everlasting Cake, as a play, should have all the key ingredients, and while it is slightly rough around the edges, Act One seems to suggest just that. However, Act Two leaves the audience with too many questions and seems to lose its rise a little, like a sponge that needed a bit more time in the oven. Set in the heart of Ealing Broadway, The Questors Theatre hosts a variety of theatrical talent at its multifunctional venue. And while Everlasting Cake may not be everlasting, the sense of community and variety at The Questors Theatre is.

Everlasting Cake plays at Questors Theatre until Saturday 30^th May. Tickets from The Questors Theatre

Photos by Jamie Gould