Sunshine on a Plate

Cliff Hanger

Sunshine on a Plate

by Elizabeth Blake

In association with Phoenix Arts at the Lantern Theatre, Brighton until 27^th June

Review by Eleanor Marsh

Clarice Cliff is now a renowned name in ceramics. Her “Bizarre” designs (the “sunshine on a plate” of this play’s title) speak of decadence, fun and not taking anything too seriously: perfect for the hedonistic between-the-wars era. But Clarice’s background was not decadent, hedonistic or privileged. She was a working class lass from Stoke on Trent who started work on the production line in the potteries at the age of thirteen, as did so many of her school friends and neighbours. Clarice, however was different – very different. She had a wonderful imagination coupled with the drive to succeed, a winning combination by any standards. To climb to the great heights she did within her own lifetime, in an era where women had virtually no voice, was achievement indeed.

In Sunshine on a Plate, its writer and performer Elizabeth Blake and director Brenda Longman breathe life into the memory of Clarice and tell her story with respect, but not too much reverence. She’s our heroine but a flawed one, scandalous love affair and all. This, coupled with Blake’s warm delivery makes her both relatable and likeable.

The simple set is effective, giving a good impression of a depression-era workspace that is brightened enormously each time the image of a piece of Cliff’s work is projected. As, no doubt was each household, in this era of austerity, when a Clarice Cliff teapot was brought out of the cupboard. Costumes, too play a significant part in this show, with each tiny addition to a basic work dress taking the audience to a new period of time and level of prosperity.

Elizabeth Blake is an engaging storyteller and has a great connection with the audience; she is totally believable in every character she portrays (and there are lots of them). This, along with Brenda Longman’s clean direction made for such an entertaining hour that it was quite a surprise to find one had learned something at the end of it. No “lecture theatre” experience, this! It’s an hour’s excellent entertainment – equally moving and funny in turns.

We saw the final performance of the play’s short tour. There are rumours that there may be another tour next year. If there is be sure not to miss it.

Eleanor Marsh, June 2025

Photography by Charlie Chesapeake