Poetic. Powerful. Playful.
Pam Ayres’ show, Who Are You Calling Vermin, is a delightfully witty and thought-provoking exploration of the countryside’s enduring tensions, brought to life with music, humour, and heart.
The production at Chester’s Storyhouse, pairs Ayres’ razor-sharp poetry with original music by George Fenton, creating an engaging fusion of humour and poignant social commentary. Themes like wildlife conservation, climate change, and the conflict between humans and animals are tackled with Ayres’ trademark charm—a velvet glove for the iron fist of her messages.
A Stellar Cast and Musical Brilliance
Directed by Loveday Ingram, the production stars a talented cast, including Ian Bartholomew, Natalie Dunne, and Stephenson Ardern-Sodje, alongside Fenton himself, who also leads a live band. The ensemble delivers Ayres’ lyrical musings with charisma (I mean what’s not to love about a rapping fox?), capturing the balance of humour and poignancy at the heart of the show.
George Fenton’s music enhances Ayres’ words beautifully, adding layers of emotion and energy. As Fenton aptly puts it, “Pam’s words virtually write their own music, and they are absolutely topical.” It has to be said that his compositions transformed the poems into what could be standalone musical numbers.
Audience and Critical Acclaim
The show has already garnered rave reviews. Gyles Brandreth enthused, “A standing ovation tonight for the Pam Ayres All Stars Vermin Revue—what a cast, what a band, what great music by George Fenton, with razor-sharp lyrics and linking from the incredible Pam.”
Audiences echo this sentiment, with one attendee remarking, “We expected to laugh—and we did—but Vermin carries a vital message.” Indeed, while the humour is abundant, the show’s heart lies in its call to action, encouraging reflection on the fragile relationship between humanity and nature.
Pam Ayres: A Champion for the Countryside
Who Are You Calling Vermin is a continuation of Ayres’ passionate advocacy for wildlife and the environment. Through her poetry and personal anecdotes growing up in the countryside and spending her life savings on re-wilding a piece of land, she raises awareness of pressing ecological issues in her very own imitable way, without ever feeling preachy.
Verdict
Pam Ayres’ Who Are You Calling Vermin is a masterclass in blending humour, music, and awareness.
Knowing something about Pam’s satire and love of the countryside only from the musings of my mum I really wasn’t sure what to expect. But I live in, and love the countryside and all the animals that take shelter in our garden, and I was looking to be entertained. Who Are You Calling Vermin delivered on all of the above: Whether you’re a fan of Pam’s poetry, a lover of the countryside, or simply looking for an evening of top-tier musical entertainment, this show delivers.
