Immaculate

It’s very strange that I have had two plays to review in the last two weeks about pregnancy. “Immaculate” is a comedy, which explores the “immaculate conception” as if it happened in present day.  Mia’s sixth month pregnancy is told in comic yet not completely unserious way as the angel Gabriel, Lucifer and friends argue about whom the father is.

This play is a rare piece of all-round comic theatre, a very strong cast, made it all the more impressive.

Mia (Ellen Simmons) was especially superb at narrating and interacting with the audience, while Gabriel (David Daly) and Lucifer (Dan Coles) were part of the comedic heart of the performance, David and Dan bounced off each other very well indeed. The religious material was handled well, there is always a fine line between being offensive, and with sex and religion being a major part of the piece, it similarly kept the comedy crude but never seedy. This being excellent direction by (Mandy Hunt)

Michael (Chrisy Hinchliffe) gave a solid performance as the bewildered ex boyfriend, we could see frustration in his face.

Rebecca (Emma Thomas) very funny portrayal of Mia’s best friend was hilarious and she ranged from cool to frantic with ease.

Jack Broster as the little disliked Gary Goodman had some good one liners and he made us dislike him. His charetherision was extremely good.

Special mention to Peter Harrington - his set, lighting design and construction were brilliant it was perfect, nice and solid and spot on. Sound by Nick Farrow operated by Lucie Nash were perfectly balanced and came in on time.

Oh, and Lorna Stockley (voice only) was very doctor like…!!!

Immaculate is one of the funniest plays I have seen in a long time - an all-round, very strong cast and acted to a very high standard. Congratulations to Mandy Hunt for exceptional direction.

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