| Review by Holly Graham, August 2006
Is there a Pumpgirl in your town? Who offers not only diesel but services your husband into the bargain? Does she dress like a tom boy and enjoy the word ‘cunt’ would you describe her as “The one who walks like Jon Wayne and Looks like his horse!” well there’s certainly one in this little Irish Town...
Pumpgirl by Abbie Spallen and directed by Bush Theatre’s Artistic Director Mike Bradewell is based in a garage in the borderlands between North and South, consisting of a wholly Irish Cast who all fit neatly into their parts.
Helmet Hammy (James Doran) greets his Pumpgirl (Orla Fitzgerald), not with the usual, “How are you?”, but instead “How’s the cunt?” other than when he’s doing his visits Hammy is partial to the odd bit of racing and country music. Hammy’s wife (Maggie Hayes)on the other hand is mainly a wife, and a mother, until an unexpected event changes her everyday thoughts which usually consists of calling her husband such things as “A thick bastard.”
The darkly comic story unravels as the audience plays witness to these three lives that ultimately collide. The language is sharp and each character takes you on a journey through their darkest secrets and desires This play is a mixture of speeches, character memories, narrative and sharp snapshots, at no point do the actors actively interact with one another, the retelling of the story leaves all this to the imagination.
So if you fancy a tale of drink, mucky love and clapped-out motors, go see Pumpgirl.
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