Neville's Island

Four men on a team building exercise in the Lake District become stranded on a small island thanks to the over enthusiastic problem solving of their leader Neville. In spite of various attempts to attract attention the four remain cut off from civilisation and tempers become frayed.

Team leader Neville (Gary Darbey) is pleasant natured and is constantly trying to calm troubled waters, but even he eventually snaps at the unkind comments from Gordon (Chris Binns). Gordon is a lonely bitter man who has little sympathy with other people's problems. He does however bring a lot of humour to the play with his caustic remarks. Angus (David Collins) has entered fully into this exercise investing in an expensive array of camping equipment. He seems to be in a loving relationship with a wife who sews labels in his clothes but as the play develops we begin to wonder if all is as happy as he thinks. The fourth member of the team Roy (Martin Isbister) has turned to religion following a nervous brreakdown. He is a great target for Gordon and by the end of the play we see the result of his cruel attacks on him.

These four men made a very strong team. They had the audience in fits of laughter and yet by the end I felt a little guilty for having laughed at Gordon's cruel remarks when you saw the effect they had on the other men.

What a super set! We struggled to find our front row seats as it was so foggy but it certainly set the scene for us.You really got the feeling that the men were on an actual island and the 'lake' at the side made it even more effective.

There were excellent sound and lighting effects especially for the firework display and the passing pleasure boat.

Props were well chosen. It was good to see that all the equipment brought along by Angus appeared to be new and expensive looking.

A well directed, well cast play that kept the audiences attention throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.