This evocative and witty play explores the extraordinary relationship between American modernist author and poet Gertrude Stein and lifelong partner Alice B. Toklas who rejected the conservative values of middleclass America in the early nineteen hundreds and found refuge in the bohemian decadence of Paris… and in each other. Stein drew artistic genius to her salon like a magnet, numbering among her close friends Hemingway, Picasso, Matisse, Cezanne, Klee and Scott Fitzgerald among other artists, writers and poets.

They regularly gathered at what became known as the ‘Mecca for the modern-minded’ where they inspired each other to create art, drank often, fought often, fell in and out of love… and occasionally indulged in Alice’s hash brownies.

'Beautifully calibrated performances that captivated and drew you into a story well told. Lynita Crofford and Shirley Johnston drew you into the lives of Getrude Stein and Alice B Toklas with total conviction - the intimacy of the theatre enhancing the unfolding of their relationship. Full marks to Chris Weare for directing a complex script with a sensitive understatement that moved between pathos and humour so effortlessly' 'Brilliant. Effortlessly portrayed. An immersive love story.'

It’s a rare treat to see two actors at the top of their respective games in a powerful and poignant two-hander tour de force! Both Lynita Crofford and Shirley Johnston are superb in this wryly witty, tender piece detailing the relationship between Gertrude Stein and Alice B Toklas.

Audience Responses

It was a great show. The switch between past and present was brilliantly done and the play with words delightful.

This was a wonderful play..........brilliant acting, engrossing story, amusing and very touching. We all loved it

5/5 excellent and a lovely theatre

Super show. Really great physical acting, too. I don't like Gertrude Stein's work at all, so I'm not a fan; but the production was really good. Evocative of the period; loved the time switching; skilled acting.

Once of the best productions we have seen for years. Superb acting, fantastic directing. It was the first time we visited the Drama Factory and you will soon see more of us. The reception at the entrance was also superb and showed great hospitality.

Loved the play. Such accomplished actresses. True theatre.

I dont think it has anything to do with the drama factory, more the show's director. Every now and again there is a music and speech overlap which made it difficult to hear what was said. In my opinion the best I've seen in years, a powerful play. Thank you for arranging this, Sue! Regards, Sarie

Beautiful piece of theatre! Thank you Sue Diepeveen for bringing such high quality shows to Somerset West.

Beautiful piece of theatre! Thank you Sue Diepeveen for bringing such high quality shows to Somerset West.

I really found this an interesting depiction of their lives together and the acting was superb. Would really enjoy seeing more of this type of performance.

Loved it! Put together very well. Wss wondering who created the last image on the slide show?

Brilliant actors...lovely to see them on the stage together...Thank you!

Yes, a comment... the music was intrusive sometimes, a bit loud and though, to great effect, it stopped abruptly, there were other times where it seemed as though it should have faded out...

Really enjoyed the production!

Excellent! Thanks!

Held my attention throughout. The splashes of humour lightened the pathos underlying much of their lives.

World class-and an immense pleasure to watch such accomplished actresses

Worked very well in that lovely intimate space. Great performances.