THERE is an understandable degree of secrecy surrounding the meetings of The Susan B Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein, and, as the audience at Strode Theatre in Street is invited to attend the annual celebration, that sense of mystery must prevail.

The year is 1956 and the Sisterhood meets in upper New York State, when America is in the grip of the Cold War, paranoia is rife, and personal preservation measures are being taken. The “widows” (as they are known) are no different from the rest of the population, and the officers of their committee are ingenious in their inventions. Their meeting place is a bomb-proof bunker, equipped for four years of isolation from atomic dust.

But enough of that … this is a day of celebration, where the venerated quiche, brainchild of an illustrious founder with more than a hint of Joan Crawford about her, is central to the proceedings. The annual contest is on, and the winning quiche is about to be revealed – just like in a “reality” TV show.

This year’s committee are chairperson Lulie, Mancunian newcomer Ginny, organising Vern, quicheoholic Wren and plucky young Dale – and then there is Marjorie.

Before the announcement of the winner can be made there are anthems to be sung, and the guests must take their places. Then a siren sounds, and life as the sisters know it is over.

Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood’s wonderfully batty play started life at the NYC Fringe Festival of 2012. Director Paul Townsend has gathered a starry cast of Street Theatre stalwarts, including Jane Sayer, Karen Trevis, Alice Cameron, Nicky Hann and Jemima Greed to perform this hilariously peculiar play.

I can’t tell you any more or I would have to bake you in a quiche and eat you, and you KNOW what the stylish and sparky widows would have to say about that! Leave your inhibitions in the car park, sharpen your ears for the double entendres and see if you have what it takes to join Gertrude’s disciples … you have until Saturday 19th July, Ruskies permitting.

GP-W