Jim Cartwright

A Christmas Fair

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Not Too Tame have built up quite the reputation for putting on fun, interactive shows that deliver an entertaining night out. For the latest offering, a reworking of playwright Jim Cartwright’s A Christmas Fair, in collaboration with Oldham Coliseum, the interaction and fun are present, but so is something a little grittier.

Set in the beautiful Chadderton Town Hall, we are introduced to a community group attempting to organise the annual Christmas fair. There is the Elvis loving Town Hall Caretaker (Lee Toomes), who isn’t filled with Christmas cheer at all, and just wishes that people would clear up after themselves. Next up is the fair’s organiser-in-chief, Veronica (Samantha Robinson), who wants the fair to be just like her, perfect in every way. Next up is the fun loving cycling enthusiast Vicar (Dickon Tyrell), who is roped in, despite having the Christmas sermon to write. 

Then there is cafe worker and all round good egg, Lucy (Kelise Gordon-Harrison), who is fully into the Christmas spirit and happy to help in any way she can. And finally there is out-of-town writer, Johnny (Paddy Stafford), whose cynicism and sharp tongue threatens to derail everything.

As the quidditative quintet begin setting up the hall making it look festive, with a Christmas tree and stalls, we learn a bit about each of them. However, later, when the fair has closed and the clean up begins, we learn that each one has a story to tell of Christmas’s gone by that isn’t quite as in keeping with the joyous, festive time of year.

This is very much a play of two very different acts. The first, a fun-filled hour where we are introduced to our characters and their foibles. All this is mixed in with festive-fun, with sing-along carols, festive readings from the works of Dylan Thomas and Charles Dickens, and possibly one of the most impressive and quick Christmas decorations performed in live theatre. Add in the mix a possible blossoming love story between the younger characters Johnny and Lucy, and it sets up for what promises to be a memorable show.

However, the warning signs were there in the first act, and the second act takes a darker turn, with lengthy monologues, involving loneliness, crime and murder. Whilst some of the stories successfully highlight that not everyone will be celebrating this Christmas, some felt they a little more development.

Lee Toomes is in fine form as the fed-up but kind hearted caretaker, and is the glue that holds everything together. He’s the most rounded of the five characters. Kelise Gordon-Harrison brings the energy as the lovely, infectious Lucy. She’s perfectly paired with Paddy Stafford’s misery, Johnny. The chemistry between the pair is engaging and their duet on Fairy Tale of New York is a treat. You just wish there was a bit more of their story.

Samantha Robinson is brilliant as Veronica. She nails the festive officiousness; it’s a great comedic turn, that could in lesser hands irritate, but never does.  She strikes the balance between comedy and anguish perfectly. Dickon Tyrell’s turn as the Vicar is somewhat restrained until his Christmas monlogue, which, despite being one of the grimmer stories, his charismatic turn makes it an engaging watch. They are supported by a fine group of young actors for some of the song and dance numbers, which enhances your viewing.

As always with Not Too Tame, there is a spot of audience participation, in this case we are required to peruse the Christmas fair during the interval. The cast set up the fair during the first half of the performance and this is just a nice touch that adds an extra layer to the show.

Overall this is a well-acted, clever production that is at times funny and poignant. Whilst it won’t leave you with a warm Christmas glow, it’s well worth a watch and offers something a little different for the Greater Manchester theatre scene this Christmas.

A Christmas Fair on at Chadderton Town Hall until 2nd January tickets are available here.

The Gap

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The always innovative Hope Mill Theatre so beloved for its musical offerings brings something entirely different and equally as pleasing to audiences this month as they host the world premiere of Jim Cartwright’s new play, The Gap.

When a chance phone call reunites old friends Walter (Matthew Kelly) and Corral (Denise Welch) a glorious trip down memory lane ensues. In the fifty years since they last saw each other a lot has changed, however, once the reminiscing begins, the magic of Soho in the swinging Sixties comes flooding back as do the marvellous memories created there.

Both Kelly and Welch deliver Cartwright’s sharp script superbly, there’s laugh out loud humour paired with tender heartfelt moments, all flowing beautifully as the duo bounce off each other brilliantly. Cartwright’s writing is second to none, it’s poetic, moving and of course, really bloody funny, a gift for any actor and one to which Kelly and Welch more than do justice.

Their ability to draw the audience in, is exceptional, one moment we’re following their teenage dreams as they head to the big smoke the next were cocooned with them in their later years, where cosy cardigans have replaced quaffing champagne. What happens in between is a glorious adventure of free spirits and lives fully lived amidst the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Their warmth as actors paired with their skill and versatility really makes this piece sing.

Director Anthony Banks has ensured the humour of the piece is brilliantly executed, cheeky and charming from Welch, deliciously deadpan from Kelly, making you fall in love with Walter and Corral just that little bit more.

While this is a two-hander, with their characters being absolutely the main focus they both portray additional characters often to hilarious effect, from Kelly’s Teddy Boy to Welch’s kiosk owner all add depth and heaps of laughs to the story. The use of music is another key element, from Petula Clark’s Downtown, to Kylie’s I Should Be So Lucky, each represent a key era in the story.

Cartwright’s writing allows us to truly see their characters, warts and all, while their nuanced performances tug on our heartstrings when we least expect it. This is a gentle, joyful, hilarious, exploration of friendship, one that proves beautifully that soulmates come in many forms.

The Gap is on at Hope Mill Theatre until Saturday 16th March tickets are available here.