Sex, Drugs & Rick n Noel

This play by David Tristram, the UK’s most popular comedy playwright, includes some farcical views on sex, drugs, alcohol and crime. It involves the activities of two mature students studying history and a lot more besides, whilst attending Birmingham University. Rick ,well-cast and superbly played by Craig Pakes – (who adopted Black Country accent which he maintained throughout the play) is in his mid-forties and has lost his wife to another woman, his job and his self-esteem. Having been accepted for a course of study he is teamed up with Noel (played by Andy Canadine) who made an excellent ‘opposite’ character. Noel is also in his forties but prefers to live close to the edge and appears to enjoy taking risks. In an early endeavour to demonstrate the benefits of his lifestyle Noel takes Rick for a meal which he then avoids paying for by persuading Ranjit (well characterised by Tony Gordon as the ever patient and polite owner of the local Balti restaurant) to put the charge on his tab, though he currently has no funds to pay off this debt nor has he any idea where the money will come from. Despite being such different characters, as time passes Rick and Noel become good friends. There are a number of scene changes in this play and the stage crew are to be commended for dealing with them in such a slick and inconspicuous manner; the scene in which they were required to provide Rick with a change of clothing was very cleverly mimed. Costumes were appropriate and the lighting plan effective. Congratulations to Director Charlotte Shearsby for her interpretation of this work which generated much laughter from the audience.        

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