Writer: Denise Deegan
Daisy Meredith, bright but impoverished, has won a scholarship to move from her Elementary School (shudder) to the exclusive but cash-strapped Grangewood School for Girls. But how will she fare amongst the snobbery and elitism of the girls who think that she’s lowering the tone? As nasty Sybil remarks of families such as Daisy’s: ‘They’re poor – maybe not intellectually but certainly morally’.
From the start, it seems like there are girls determined to get Daisy into hot water. Luckily, our plucky heroine finds a kindred spirit in Trixie Martin, the excitable prankster of the Upper 4th, whose exclamations (‘Jubilate!’) punctuate the dialogue, and together they hatch a plot to save the school and Daisy’s reputation. Denise Deegan’s play, a West End hit in the 1980s, boasts a wonderful cast of characters, from Clare Beaumont (Head Girl and Sports Captain, adored by all) to ‘Chief Toadie’ Monica and assorted sneaks, hockey whizzes and midnight feasters.
The play is a warm tribute to all those Enid Blyton school stories, and Viva Arts have pulled off a great morning’s entertainment, as energising as that cup of coffee you might need to get to a Fringe show at 9.25am. It’s worth it, though, and the all-adult cast power through the fast-paced action on a small stage with some clever choreography. I particularly enjoyed the hockey match and clifftop rescue, and full marks to the hair and costume designers for some strong looks.
There were one or two first performance stutters, but the fun was infectious throughout. The actors playing Daisy and Trixie were top of the class, but as an ensemble piece, you’d be hard pushed to find a jollier way to start your Fringe day. Absolutely spiffing!
Runs until 15 August 2026 | Image: Contributed
