There haven’t been many, if any, theatre productions I’ve walked out from and wanted to watch again straight away but this was certainly one of those moments. When the writing is superb, the direction is superb and the acting is superb, then there is only one result – Yes, SUPERB!
From the moment Josie Lawrence as Sylvie walked on stage, I was mesmerised. She has a quality that you can’t learn in any drama or stage school – you are just born with it and Josie Lawrence had it in abundance. Her physicalness changes the personality of the character and her use of voice gives her the range that not many people can do.
Josie needs someone who can match her ability and there aren’t too many around but they certainly found a gem in Joanne Howarth as Garnet. If there was a picture in the dictionary next to the word ‘wow’, then there would be a picture of Joanne. There is something beautiful in her eyes when she acts – a realism that makes you believe what she is saying. Some people when they act say the lines but Joanne believes in the lines. I could watch Joanne and Josie perform every day and never get bored – a remarkable duo.
The two ladies are supported by excellent actors who are perfectly cast. Gemma Brodrick playing Alyssa punctures the drama with beautifully delivered one liners that gives the audience their release in tension. Her partner Lee Lee played by Nathan McMullen gives us comedy, mystery and drama all in one. His calmness on stage can easily be overlooked but he gives such a believable performance especially his Peter Pan!
Mickey Jones playing Mickey-Joe never misses a beat in his delivery and shows a great range of emotion particularly when he is having one of his rants! His partner Frankie played by Nana Amoo-Gottfried is the ideal partner. He has the ability to bite back when needed but doesn’t over play it which is easily done.
The writing by Jonathon Harvey is some of the best I’ve seen. His ability to make you laugh and make you cry within a short space of time reminds me of another brilliant writer John Sullivan. These writers don’t come long often but when they do it is magical!
Nick Bagnall directs this brilliant piece of theatre and I honestly don’t think it could be directed any better. The perfect mix of highs and lows and the use of the stage throughout was wonderful. One word sums up the ending – Beautiful!
A piece of theatre that everyone should see. The Everyman theatre is a perfect venue for this, as getting close up to the actors is what makes the show work. If you can get a ticket then get one as you won’t be disappointed!
