Low Down

Edith Head, costumer to the stars, gives us an insight into her long and varied career.

Review

Susan Claassen gave an incredibly detailed and convincing performance as Edith Head in this affectionate ode to the woman responsible for so many of Hollywood classic costumes. Prior to seeing the show I had little idea of the longevity or scale Miss Head’s career (8 Oscars!), thankfully her ‘personal assistant’ gave a brief introduction and also helpfully informed us that it was 1981, a year before Edith’s death. 

The ‘conversation’ mainly consisted gossip and anecdotes concerning the galaxy of stars, from Mae West to Grace Kelly to Steve Martin, all dressed by Head. While the stories were diverting, they were all imbued with such reverence, that juicy titbits were conspicuously absent. 

This was in fact a remarkably polite evening in the theatre with much talk of the ‘good old days’, of loyalty, and the studio system where, as Edith concisely put it, people ‘kept their mouths shut’ about each others personal lives. 

However, while this made for a beautifully observed, stern and ‘school maam-ish’ character, it didn’t make for the most exciting drama. The device of having a faux-‘film historian’ planted in the audience constantly correcting Head’s liberal use of the ‘truth’ was amusing at first, but grew a little tiresome due to overuse. Some of the richest moments came when Head conversed with the audience revealing herself as an early prototype of Trinny and Susannah. 

This show is essential viewing for any devotees to classic Hollywood and the glamour of this bygone era, but it lacks the tabloid sensationalism would suggest mass appeal. A gentle hour boosted by a wonderful display of method acting.

Reviewed by DS 24th August 2007

Website : Invisible Theatre