Do not be fooled from the title, you can learn a lot from That’s Entertainment. Thelma Ruby, aged 91 performs a one woman show, with minimalist direction and only a piano on stage. Thelma’s star quality shone through this intimate setting in the round.

It is clear to see that the audience feel privileged in Thelma’s presence learning of her journey in this demanding industry. Opening with ‘Spread A Little Happiness’, Thelma’s dynamic presence lifts the energy in the room. With witty lyrics and exaggerated gestures, it is no surprise that the audience jumps to its feet in a near standing ovation.

Comical timing is everything and as the performance continues, Thelma’s strong voice enchants the audience. This is no wonder with her experience as a soubrette – you can’t help but laugh, especially during her rendition of ‘Nobody’s chasing me’ from Out of this World.

Giving an insight into Thelma’s mindset in deciding the name of her show That’s Entertainment questions the notion what is entertainment? Thelma explains that as an audience member something should happen to you when watching theatre – “shock of recognition“. Theatre, she believes, is incredibly powerful in knowing that each performance and production will be unique and that her show will be unique in presenting her life story, and indeed it is.

The audience begin to understand that for Thelma Ruby (who is originally from Hull), becoming an actress was very probable. Her mother Paula Ruby was a child star, and Thelma spent her childhood watching her mother perform. She attended Finch in New York to study performing arts and understanding the craft of putting on a show.  Thelma’s observations and sketches about her early life in theatre include getting her first job on Drury Lane and performing as part of the ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association – who performed for troops during WW2). During her performance, she gives the impression that she is talking to each member of the audience individually. She does this by her constant eye contact with the audience and this proves her theory that theatre is more than being entertained; it is about an intimate and unique experience between actor and audience.

Thelma further demonstrates this when she describes her experience in pantomime. She discusses her role as Prince Charming and then goes on to outline the make-up of the ensemble, otherwise known as “Mrs Pickles Babes” during the run. We in the audience are privileged to meet one such cast member who has made contact with Thelma in advance. It’s a rare occasion to be involved in a personal exchange when two cast members reunite after performing together decades ago.

Though an autobiographical account of Thelma’s diverse life experiences,  it is unfortunately that Johnathan Williams (Thelma’s musical accompaniment) performance seems lost. This is particularly acute when he displays his frustrations with musical theatre songwriting in ‘Everyone wants to be Sondheim’. Even though he is a talented pianist, it feels misplaced to include him  in the middle of the production. It feels like it was an afterthought and the show is more poignant with Thelma on her own.

For the finale, Thelma spoke about her eight years touring with her husband Peter Frye, “Momma Golda”, and the power of theatre across the globe. She recounts tales from performances in a school hall in Hawaii to performing in South Africa to an all black audience during the Apartheid. Thelma manages to get the audience to imagine that they are also in these settings when she performs ‘Shalom’. This is a fitting end to a powerful one woman nonagenarian show which receives a well deserved standing ovation.

Young people can learn so much from such an experienced artist.

 

That’s Entertainment is playing a part of Festival 46 until 31 July at King’s Head Theatre. For more information and tickets, see the King’s Head Theatre website.