Theatre

'Gertrude's Secret' offers a series of bite-sized monologues, each comes with its own unpleasant twist, delivering a sensation perhaps akin to biting into a cheddar-cheese sandwich only to find a caterpillar there. There's a lucky dip arrangement – or maybe unlucky dip according to your perspective – for which plays will be shown on any day. Benedick West has written eight miniature dramas, from which between four and six will be performed by a rotating cast. It quickly becomes clear that he has set up easy laughs and cavalier twists in his tales, without ever straying too close to convincing characterisation. Take for instance, Maureen – amiably played by Felicity Duncan – who starts by talking about her friendship with Derek in a monologue that gradually reveals she's stalking him. The second time she meets him is 'by the ha-ha' in Kew Gardens, on another occasion he's standing there 'admiring my succulents'– titter-worthy stuff perhaps, but already providing the wearying warning that this is as deep as the humour's going to get.