Neville's Island

Entering the auditorium one was greeted by the open set featuring ‘the island’, beautifully lit, with its grassy banks, trees and pebble foreshore. Set designer Tony Carver certainly created the perfect environment for the Director and cast to work with.

Four men, middle management, of the Pennine Mineral Water Ltd, find themselves stranded on a tiny island on Derwent Water. Stranded because their rowing boat has sunk as they search for the next clue in a team building exercise. Steve Coward gives Neville, the team captain, the right amount of confidence alternating with reticence as prospects of being rescued come and go. His position is continuously eroded by Gordon, whose overbearing attitude and determination to see the worst in everyone and every situation leaves him in some despair. Roger Green makes the most of his character, giving full weight to the excellent script by Tim Firth. Laughs come thick and fast as Gordon ‘puts down’ every aspect of his companions’ beliefs.

Angus appears to be the perfect buffoon created for Gordon to exploit. Shaun McHale gives full attention to this naive character, lovable or a prime target for bullying? The quartet is completed by Roy and Nic Blackmore has perhaps the most difficult character to portray as he recovers from a nervous breakdown, finding comfort in his Christian beliefs. Gordon’s biting humour again gives us cause to question our readiness to laugh at the misfortunes of others. What does it tell us about ourselves?

 Everyone connected with this production can be very proud of their contribution. An excellent evening in the theatre.

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