High Country Herald
Esther Ashby-Coventry
November 8 2006

No actor no matter how competent could do justice to Helen Brown's words the way she does. The columnist's one woman show ifA Slice of Banana Cakenf at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night saw this popular writer seated on a water melon coloured couch and take the audience through a recipe of funny and sometimes tragic situations with characters everyone could relate to.

Her perfect phrasing, timing and clear annunci ation wrung every bit of comedy and pathos from her story, a mix of creative fiction and autobiographi cal reality. It was up to those sharing the story to determine which was which.

One part that stood out as heartfelt truth was her young son's death. Only a grieved mother could poss ibly, write and speak of this in such a soulful way. Accomplished Wellington jazz musician Terry Crayford added em phasis and subtle intangible scene changes on the theatre's Bosendorfer grand piano. Which incidentally has only ever ventured from its home once about 30 years ago to Lady Elworthys marquee and Terry remembers performing on it that day too.

The quirkiness that readers love about Helen's writing in her regular news paper column was reflected through her well chosen words and her stage outfit, a purple taffeta top with a collar like a frilled lizard, a funky belt and black trousers which could have doubled as a cape. Helen interacted with her appreciative and some times loud audience as well as with Terry who delivered a superb addition to an already fascinating show.

As a fitting finale, an unexpected twist saw a banana clad floral art ar rangement and one of Helen's books auctioned on stage, fetching $150 for South Canterbury Hospice. Helen also made a donation then mingled with her fans and signed autographs.

High Country Herald
Esther Ashby-Coventry