“Flowers for Mrs Harris,” making its London debut at Riverside Studios, has already left its mark in Sheffield and Chichester. The musical brings back the endearing charlady, Ada Harris, to the very backdrop against which her story unfolds. Based on Paul Gallico’s novel, “Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris,” this production has been preceded by a made-for-TV movie adaptation starring Angela Lansbury and a recent remake featuring Lesley Manville.
Under the direction of Bronagh Lagan, the musical’s initial setting is post-war Battersea. Ada, a survivor of two wars, finds herself in a city still grappling with austerity, gloom, and rationing. Yet, she remains content with her lot, committed to a life of service. Her spare moments are spent sewing or sharing an occasional milk stout with her close friend, Violet.
The portrayal initially seems somewhat stereotypical – the cheerful Cockney, embracing a life of servitude with unwavering kindness and optimism, even after the losses she endured in the Great War. Ada’s world takes a vibrant turn when she stumbles upon a couture gown in the wardrobe of Lady Dant (Kelly Price). Convinced that this colorful masterpiece is the key to brightening her days, Ada embarks on an extraordinary mission.
Her goal? To save enough money to travel to Paris and purchase a Dior dress. To everyone else, this endeavor appears utterly absurd, particularly to her best friend, Violet (Annie Wensak), who feels hurt that Ada is turning her back on their simple life.
The first act, admittedly, unfolds at a leisurely pace, chronicling the several years it takes Ada to amass the necessary funds. She works longer hours and sacrifices her beloved milk stout, akin to modern times when one might cancel a Netflix subscription to save for a house deposit. However, despite the initial skepticism, the audience is drawn into Ada’s dream, thanks to the masterful establishment of character dynamics.
As “Flowers for Mrs Harris” graces the Riverside Studios stage, it weaves a heartfelt tale of hope, ambition, and the pursuit of beauty in the face of adversity. Ada’s journey from post-war austerity to the glamour of Paris promises to be a delightful spectacle for theater enthusiasts.
