SHEILA'S ISLAND

We were greeted with a super set, depicting a woodland perfectly, mainly shades of green but with accents of yellow and orange, plus a pool filled with water – everything was very realistic, even down to the cast being soaked with water – so good.

The Director really stepped up to the plate for her first time in the role, assisted by the set/technical team and experienced actors to realise her vision – excellently achieved by all.

Costumes were very appropriate, and all power to the cast dressed up in woollies etc, on such a hot night, but they all carried it off with aplomb.

Lighting and sound were very good, and enhanced the production – the firework effects and lighting on the tree etc, just served to pitch the right feel, along with birdsong and suitable music.

The play gave the cast plenty of scope for bringing four very diverse and rounded-out ladies, all at different stages of their lives and from different walks of life, creating drama, comedy, and everything in between. 

The cast all gave very real portrayals of their characters – there was the acknowledged leader, Sheila, played by Emma Russon, trying to keep her motley crew in order, making some bad decisions which ended up in them being in completely the wrong place, because she was trying to be too clever – a calm but courageous feel to her performance.

Then there was Denise, played by Katy Elliott – the bolshie one, and oh those facial expressions, they told their own story – a very commanding performance, her put downs of everyone else gave us laugh out loud moments and also a few cringeworthy moments!

Julie, played by Liz Blower, was a slightly quieter person, secure in a happy(?) marriage, her beliefs shattered by Denise’s view of her situation.  The one whose rucksack contained every possible requirement for camping, packed by her husband…..very well pitched against the other ladies.

The final lady Fay, given just the right vibe by Sarah Cunnane, was both fey and interesting with her religious beliefs, alongside the tragedy in her life, and the occasional brilliantly beaming smile, such a good contrast to the others.

All in all a really effective evening’s entertainment, it looked good and gave us sunshine and tears, along with some hearty laughs – very well done to everyone, and thanks to Jo for hosting us, great to get some insight into the production.

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