Shelia's Island

Sheila's Island

By Tim Firth

Presented by Mawdsley Amateur Dramatics Society at Mawdesley Village Hall, Hurst Green, Mawdesley on Thursday, 11th June 2026

Originally written for four men as "Neville's Island" in 1994 the play, a tragicomedy cleverly blends dark British humour with sometimes uncomfortable themes of mental health, trauma and the unravelling of civilised behaviour. 
Four middle aged manages from The Pennine Mineral Water Ltd on a team building exercise in the Lake District accidently get stranded on an Island in Derwentwater. The humour arises from the clash of distinct workplace stereotypes. 
I have seen this play many times and appeared as "Angus" in the male version. I can honestly say the characters emerging from the Lake in this production were without doubt "The Wettest". Helped by the atmospheric set and clever lighting the audience could not help but feel they are stuck on that Island too.

The Cast...
‘Shiela’ played by Olivia Lloyd 
The Marketing Manager voted team leader; very intelligent and well-meaning but ultimately ineffective. Over thinking, she believes the clue "Follow the path towards the Plough” to mean the star constellation rather than The Plough pub resulting in the team’s present predicament. Olivia captured the character perfectly portraying the different dimensions within the role. 

‘Denise’ played by Samantha Quinn 
A standout performance completely disappearing into the role. Denise, a would be "Shaper", on the Bilpin Scale of Management with a P.H.D in Sarcasm. A reluctant camper, constantly trying to undermine Sheila, who you suspect is the type of person who can only be happy when they are making someone else sad. The vocal tone and comic timing were perfect, nailing the characters mannerisms without over acting. 

‘Julie’ played by Rebecca Green 
The "Completer Finisher" on the Bilpin Scale. Always prepared with a rucksack full of every conceivable gadget... (The salesman must have skipped around the outdoor adventure shop when she left). Julie is insecure in her relationship with her husband Angus; a weakness quickly exploited by Denise. Rebecca balanced the characters flaws and strengths perfectly. 

‘Fay’ played by Debbie Wells 
Described as a Christian in a ‘cagoule’... Fay is a difficult character to portray having to convincingly go through a range of quite dark emotions while comedic mayhem is swirling all around her. Debbie, you completely disappeared into the role. Well Done. 

‘Director’ - Finlay Robertson 
Did a great job, lifting the script of the page and delivered a production I'm sure the author would have approved of. 

The set design and painting. 
Martyn Littlewood , Jennie Owen , Gail Addison Harris , Allan Roe , Lesley Littlewood & Jeanette Robertson 
Created the perfect atmospheric background. There can't have been many bushes left in the vicinity of the Theatre. 

Stage Manager - Karen Henty 

Lighting - Evan Taylor 

Sound - Stuart Taylor 

Props - Karen Henty, Fraser Bruce & Martyn Littlewood 

Once again, a reminder that the size or status of a Theatre doesn't dictate the calibre of the performance. Mawdsley Village Hall witnessed a standout night of Theatre. 

Thank you for inviting me 

David Davies 

Assistant Area Rep 

N.O.D.A District 6.

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