When director Marieke Audsley was looking for a play to pitch to New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins, she wanted something funny, entertaining and with women at its heart - and Amanda Whittington’s Ladies’ Day was first past the post! 

Set in 2005, the year that Royal Ascot relocated to York, Ladies’ Day follows four fish factory workers - Jan, Shelley, Linda and Pearl - as they swap the production line for front row at the races.

“I really fell in love with these four women,” says Marieke. “They really made me laugh. All the chats they have - particularly at the beginning, when they discuss what was for tea that night - it reminded me of lots of jobs I’ve had over the years where you have a group of women who work together every day and you just talk about… everything!

“Stepping away from your everyday life gives you an opportunity to reflect. When Jan, Shelley, Linda and Pearl experience a completely new environment, they have this moment of clarity, where they realise what it is that they’re wanting to get out of life and what’s important to them.”
In order to prepare for the play, Marieke and the actors went on an early-year research trip to Wolverhampton Racecourse.

“A Monday evening in January was quite different to Ascot in June,” observes Marieke. “We were in woolly hats rather than finery! But it was great to get a sense of the atmosphere. We met some bookies and regular race-goers, and it was fascinating to find out more about that world. You really get a buzz from watching the race. It’s had a real impact on the staging of the play.”

One member of the cast who accompanied Marieke on that racecourse outing last month is Gareth Cassidy, who plays six different male characters in the production. 

“These ladies are taking control of their lives, and it’s empowering to watch,” says Gareth, who’s also starred at the New Vic in Marvellous and The 39 Steps. “Sometimes it may feel like you don’t have many choices in life, but actually they are yours to be made - you just have to make them.

“There’s one character I play who comes out in full racing jockey attire - and I am very much looking forward to the boots! The characters are all very well drawn and have nice interactions and relationships with the ladies, for better or for worse. They’re not all nice guys. It makes it quite easy to do when it’s so well written.”

Marieke agrees. But what does she feel lies at the heart of the play’s appeal? 
“It’s heart-warming and uplifting - and I hope it will bring real joy and colour to a dark February evening. Get a group of mates together. Come have fun. If you’ve got a hat that’s been sitting in the back of the cupboard that you wore to somebody’s wedding 10 years ago, then bring it out! We want to capture the spirit of the ladies going to the races all together. If you fancy a giggle, a fun night out, and if you like Tony Christie [whose music features in the play] then come and check it out.”

Ladies’ Day runs at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme from Friday 3 to Saturday 25 February. For more information and to book tickets, visit newvictheatre.org.uk