ROLEPLAY

What a good evening’s entertainment – not an Ayckbourn play I know, but it was very funny, fast-paced and well-directed.

The set was very well-conceived, a traditional box set, but incorporating the kitchen as an off-shoot to the main set.  It was very well-dressed, loads of props to enhance the feel of inhabitant’s lifestyle, which gave it a ‘real’ feel.  There was some nice artwork on the walls, and an indication of the weather being experienced during the play, and landscape beyond the flat – all of which added to the overall impression.

Costumes were all very good – indicative of each character, which added interest to the proceedings.  I enjoyed the attention to detail in both costumes and props.

Sound was good, I know mics are needed for the venue, so that was taken into consideration, but they were unobtrusive.  Lighting was suitable for the play, not much chance for anything too flashy, but everything was bright and gave a positive vibe.

Laura Loughran (Julie-Ann) was the epitome of a lively young lady, continually re-thinking her life, particularly when her parents were coming to visit and meet her fiancé for the first time – Laura created a very believable relationship with Jake Creighton (Justin), who was so funny – mainly because he seemed to keep his cool whatever came his way - accepting of the situations he was thrown into through no fault of his own – a good relationship that was the mainstay of the piece.

Nic Ainsworth (Dee) and Barry Pain (Derek) were so good as Julie-Ann’s parents – the type of stereotypical married couple who had got into a very strait-laced way of life, I did enjoy their way with each other, and how they treated their daughter. 

Natalie Shearer (Paige) played her part of an ex-lap dancer to the full – with edge and energy – one of the funniest moments was when she went into one of her routines, with Derek as the focus – her attitude was both vulnerable and feisty, I really enjoyed her interaction with the various characters, and the knowing way she reacted to each of them.  Her protagonist was David Soper (Micky) – her minder who gave the impression of being a gun-toting ex-boxer, but actually having a softer more appreciative side – there were some good exchanges between to the two of them – very good performances.

The final player in the piece was Bryony Reynolds (Arabella) – Justin’s redoubtable and glamorous mother, who enjoyed the brandy too much – a lovely part which allowed Bryony to use her experience so that Arabella was drunk, but not too over the top - everything was clear and understandable.  So clever and good to watch.

As you can tell, I thought this was a good play, extremely well done, with pace and excellent characterisations.

My thanks to CADS for their hospitality.

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