Breezeblock Park

Firstly I must comment on the set(s) and the interval change: it seemed such a permanent residence with the 1970s detailed living room and working kitchen, all very period and mood setting, and then a complete rebuilt to another house during the interval: many congratulations to all.

What a very funny, saucy and different play from Willy Russell: certainly Robin Taylor brought out all the innuendo, slightly shocking for Sheringham, and the crazy moments in the relationships to make the audience laugh almost before the moment occurred; such good timing and pace from all as the play needed to be, and no weak links.

The casting really worked with the couples well matched: Betty and Syd (Madeline Hudson and Grahame Blythe) trying to impress Tommy and Vera (Matt Scantlebury and Annabelle Culley) and keep up with all the situations.   The ‘poking fun’ presents and the pub visits, and definitely trying not to be put down by Reeny and Ted (Kat Tindall and Martin Rodwell) with their superior attitudes and house.   These family relationships were excellent and revealed so much in the characterisations and offered a picture of life in the 70s and what seemed important on the estate and in the sibling pecking order and their other halves as they all celebrated Christmas in their different ways (and how we laughed). The younger element are to be congratulated on their performances as each extracted a rounded and fulfilled character study that just added to the laughs and mayhem of the situations and relationships.  Louise Waller as Sandra (Betty’s daughter) in what might have been considered a shocking predicament in the 70s and her ‘fighting sparking’ with mother and aunt on the correct thing to do.   An excellent switch in mood and character from Zac Green as John, with the rapport with father Ted and the quiet to rebellion to sulks later, a very good character study here; and finally the student boy friend Tim (Glen Hall) who found that he was totally involved with all this ‘family’ relationships. Altogether an excellent piece of fun and a great night out.

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