Raising Agents: A Spirited Salute to the Women’s Institute
“Embracing contradictions, That’s what sets us free;
Laughing at ourselves, To be taken seriously”
Celebrating their 50th year of eclectic theatre-making, Mikron Theatre began their latest tour at the Chapel Arts Centre, Halifax. Their unassuming set is a nod to the narrowboats, pubs, and other unexpected locations that will house Mikron’s theatrical stylings for the rest of the year to come.
The four-strong cast mark Mikron’s half-centenary with a show about the centenary of the WI. Raising Agents tells the tale of the Bunnington chapter of the Women’s Institute. Struggling for membership numbers, battling against the modern age, and bickering their way to a solution, four women decide to evolve with the times. In doing so, they look back upon a century of WI members who came before them. As an audience, you’ll laugh and you’ll learn things in equal measure - much like a monthly WI meeting!
As you might expect, this show centres on WI stereotypes, but in a fun-loving, harmless way. The cast are consciously aware of their own theatricality - a tactic that engages and utterly wins over the audience, whilst keeping the cast on the right side of pantomime. Even with a heavy dose of cross-dressing, the show remains respectful and celebratory.
Hannah Bainbridge, as Penny, is every bit the quintessential WI busybody: a gilet-wearing icon who has perfected the art of the pursed lip! Despite the undeniable ensemble feel - and a wonderful sense of supportiveness on stage - James McLean, as Moira, stands out as a strong but affectionate leader.
Polished yet playful, this group of accomplished actors and musicians relish the nostalgic sense of fun that comes from playing dress up. With little more than a wooden platform, some music stands, and a well-utilised serving hatch as set, the cast of Raising Agents use props with prowess. Accessories on, accents shifted and suddenly we’re in a different era, on a different continent, amongst one of many interconnected sketch-style scenes.
Maeve Larkin’s script is witty, well-crafted and utterly charming. She balances the central story with skits from the past 100 years - all sewn together with an inspired refrain, courtesy of a recipe for rabbit pie.
Meanwhile, the musical interludes - crafted by Rebekah Hughes - are, without doubt, a highlight. They see us through a century of musical genres, from folkloric ballads to post-war boogie-woogie swing, via a musical ode to tea. Every lyric is carefully chosen, capturing every possible opportunity for a playful pun or genius rhyme.
Beyond the words sung, it’s a treat to see the cast show off their range of musical talents. Never before have I witnessed a passive aggressive stand-off between a trombone and a clarinet!
Of course, no show about the WI could be complete without a rousing round of Jerusalem - which inspired many of the audience to join in. I think I speak for more than one member of the audience when I say that a little part of me actually toyed with joining the Women’s Institute!
The Mikron team foster a real community spirit and take us along on their journey. Breaking the fourth wall without ever breaking character, the cast exude a warmth that invites us to join in. I smiled throughout, I bobbed to the beat, and I found myself laughing out loud at some sheer scriptural silliness.
The production team at once parody and celebrate the age-old institution and the result is just lovely.
Raising Agents is touring the UK from April to October 2022. For full tour dates and to find a location near you, head to the Mikron Theatre website.
Photo by Liz Baker.
