Mrs. Patmore Explains It All to You

How the Hell Did I Get Here? – Greenhouse Theater Center

Most of the civilized world primarily knows Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore, the hardworking head of the downstairs kitchen, on PBS television’s “Downton Abbey.” However, the charming, multitalented, three-time SAG Award-winning English actress has an extensive resume that proves that she’s not just a one-trick pony. Ms Nicol has played an array of memorable roles, both on television, film and in the theatre. And the lady has also lived quite an exciting, colorful life, as well, as we’re privileged to learn in this wonderful autobiographical presentation. 

All of this is related and explained to the audience, as if Lesley had invited us over to her house for tea. This charming, warmhearted one-woman musical…yes, a musical…also features Lesley’s talented collaborator and accompanist on the baby grand, Mark Mueller. He has written a collection of original, tuneful songs for the actress that are really musical monologues. Ms Nicol sings them beautifully, sharing even more about her life experiences through song. 

The production is beautifully enhanced by Ashuman Bhatia’s exquisite lighting and scenic design, consisting of a wall of white suitcases, which hide a few props and serve as a screen for Bhatia’s projections. I do think, however, the slippery steps leading up to the piano should be carpeted or simply eliminated, so that Ms Nicol can get up and down them without possible injury. The whole production is delightfully peppered with old photos and home movies from Lesley Nicol’s life. It helps to make this presentation feel we’re looking through the actress’ photo album. It feels real and delightfully illuminating.

We learn about a lifetime filled with ups and downs, as Ms Nicol takes us on a journey through her fondest memories. We see and hear the story of a shy, awkward little girl growing up in Manchester, England, where she had a short career as a child model (at the advice of her beautiful mother). We meet both of her late, loving parents and hear how they met, fell in love and married. Sadly, although they were largely responsible for Lesley’s ultimate success, her parents never lived to see their talented daughter blossom into stardom. 

I must confess, it was refreshing and encouraging to hear about an actor’s childhood that wasn’t riddled by abuse or drug addiction. Lesley introduces us to her school friends and relates her everyday experiences to us. We hear how she first discovered her love for the theatre and how, thanks to her mother, she was able to meet her lifelong crush, actor Richard Chamberlain. He was the handsome young heartthrob who starred on TV’s “Doctor Kildare” and later in “The Thorn Birds.” Chamberlain was and still is her fantasy boyfriend. Lesley met him at the stage door when he was doing theatre in the West End, and where she’d eventually become a famous theatre actress herself. Later Lesley would get to meet another idol of hers: Anthony Hopkins. These stories are touching and very funny.  

In both London and the US, Lesley Nicol has played many iconic stage roles. She portrayed the mother in “Blood Brothers” and Rosie in “Mamma Mia!” The highly respected middle-age actress has worked steadily and successfully for decades, boasting an incredible resume of television appearances, on both sides of the Atlantic (“The Boys,” “Shameless,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Hot in Cleveland,” “Supernatural”), as well as in movies (“The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe” and, of course, the film versions of the mega popular “Downton Abbey”).

This compact little show, written and presented by Lesley Nicol and Mark Mueller, and directed by Luke Kernaghan, is refreshingly heartfelt, humorous and cheerful. It paints a positive picture of a woman who, thanks to her wonderful parents, found her niche in the arts. Of course, every rabid fan of “Downton Abbey” will certainly want to meet and spend some quality time with this affable actress. In this affectionate self portrait, which is both and inspiration to the young, as well as the not-so-young, we come to love even more the warm and wonderful woman behind Mrs. Patmore…and so much more. 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 22-April 3 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-404-7336 or by going to www.ThunderTix.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.