Sylvia

I enjoy that time in the Phoenix Theatre before the show starts when I can sit and admire their wonderful sets, created in-house. The small floor area which is the ‘stage’ is always transformed into something extraordinary, so I was surprised by the quite sparse, yet beautifully furnished, room that was rounded to appear panoramic. However, as soon as the play started the top half of the set became a glorious view of the New York skyline, cleverly projected via the wonders of AI and the panoramic effect was a triumph.

The titular character Sylvia was played by Jo Price, a newcomer to the Phoenix family, and I sincerely hope we see much more of her in future productions. I knew nothing at all about this play and therefore I was slightly surprised to realise that Sylvia was a dog! What’s more, Jo was playing Sylvia in an upright position and not at all disguised as a dog. However, everything about the characterisation portrayed by Jo was canine… I have a dog, and she could have been my dog! She had everyone laughing out loud with her mannerisms, her incessant over excitement, her scooting across the carpet, her version of the constant yapping and her obvious love for her master Greg. It didn’t take more than one scene for me to be totally enamoured with the adorable antics of Sylvia.

Greg was played by Steve Doidge in what was a complex character; he was struggling with life in general until he was ‘adopted’ in the park by Sylvia and suddenly his world begins to revolve around her and he becomes oblivious to the effects his obsession is having on his life with his wife. Steve was totally absorbed in his character, so much so that I really could relate to Kate’s frustration. I did however, very much enjoy his portrayal, even when sharing Kate’s irritation.

Kate was played by Lori Weber, and I was enthralled by the emotions she managed to portray; jealousy, anger, frustration, sarcasm, resentment, defeatism and anything else a woman who was being overlooked by her husband for a dog would feel. As Lori worked her way through a gamut of sentiments my attitude towards her changed. At first, she seemed selfish and unreasonable and then she became so sad as her husband became increasingly absorbed with Sylvia. Kate was a career woman who had worked hard to achieve her moment in the spotlight and wanted to share it with her husband, who in turn, only wanted to be with a dog. Lori was superb and so relatable.

Phil Field played the nerdy Brit in the dog park. He enthusiastically shared obscure facts about the psychology of dog ownership and its potential impact on relationships with the unsuspecting Greg, all sourced from a book, while maintaining a deadpan expression and keen interest. Phil is a master of comedy one liners, and his exits were examples of just that. He had the audience howling (no pun intended).

Suzanne Hill and Jackie Phillips were brilliant as Phyllis and Leslie. When Sylvia became ‘enamoured’ with Phyllis as only dogs do, Suzanne’s reactions were hilarious as was her lapse from the wagon. It was a shame we didn’t see more of this character as Suzanne was perfect. Jackie had a gem of a role as the therapist who is pushed over the edge by the obsessed Greg, and she was totally believable, as the audience was beginning to feel the same way.

There were so many memorable moments in this play: The wonderful soundtrack that was played throughout which set the scene and the mood perfectly; Sylvia’s operation (wearing the cone of shame) which was so funny; her visit to the beauty parlour when she is identified as part poodle, so sang the French National Anthem; Jo singing Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien perfectly; or, the finale when Greg and Kate recounted how they had spent Sylvia’s remaining years together. This was the bit that broke me, the image of Jo cleverly changing into the gorgeous image of a real dog who had lived the best life until the end had me in bits. It was so emotional and all credit to Steve and Lori for their delivery. I defy anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet not to have been moved by their superb and heartfelt conclusion.

The accents were unfaltering; the pace was phenomenal and there was nothing to detract from a great performance. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, even the ending that made me cry.

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