Sheila’s Island

Sheila’s Island was written by Tim Firth who also wrote Calendar Girls. This play is based on a corporate event with teams competing against each other, but we see a group of four work colleagues on the team building exercise on the wrong small island over the weekend in which it all goes horribly wrong.

The set is very effective a grass area with some rocks, small stream running front to back across the stage, and a tree. The lighting and sound effects are also very good adding a real atmosphere to the surroundings. Director Scott Douglas has a great cast for the play. He has captured the humour and emotion of the play just right. All four ladies work so well together - the chemistry between them works really well, and you get a real feeling of isolation.

The story follows them all as they realise they are marooned on the wrong island and the tensions start to rise. Rhianna Au-Webb plays Sheila, the manager, she comes over very confident and organised, used to being in charge. Rhianna is just right in the part, she has a real warmth and kindness and a good all-round character and tries to keep the others from panicking, keeping control even though there's a growing unease as the crisis develops. Stephanie Edwards plays Denise, she can be very sharp tongued, can be mean, some great sarcastic put downs, humour, and great facial expressions. Stephanie has some of the best lines and isn't really bothered by team work. Annie Seelan plays Julie, she comes across as a real team player, who's very enthusiastic, she has all the latest gadgets and is very organised, however she becomes very vulnerable especially when Denise starts on her. You really feel for Annie's character. Dianne Archer plays Fay, she's a bit of an outsider, quiet, but is the most eccentric of the group. Dianne is great in the role, and her characterisation of Fay, is wonderful she is vulnerable but finds a great strength, she's also has a couple of good scenes on the top of the tree, which she gets up and down very quickly, its almost like she goes tribal in her character.

Well done to everyone on a great play. We really enjoyed it. 

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