'Dumped' and 'Polly's waffle'

            Dumped        Two teenagers (Jeffrey Jay Fowler and Miley Tunnecliffe) were slowly falling in love with each other, when things took an abrupt change. This play is more like a lyrical recitation of the parallel thoughts of the youngsters, as they examine their previous feelings for each other, and how circumstances have made their lives move apart.

The beautifully structured script is almost poetic, not a word extra, not a wrong adjective or verb chosen. The play is presented on a stark, black empty stage where subtlety, sensitivity and sensuality are the key factors. Alex Manfrin’s lighting is delicate and soft. Simon Marsh has produced a gentle choreography for the movement of the actors. Very satisfying. Delightful.

             Polly’s waffle             written in association with Erica Freeman.        

             Evelyn (Summer Williams) lives in a small flat with her long-time friend Polly (Anne Bitious). Whilst Evelyn is a stunningly beautiful and smart woman, Polly has let herself go, and to be blunt is fat and ugly. Every day Evelyn relates to Polly her last night conquests in intimate detail. The more bizarre the sex, the more enjoyment Evelyn obtains. Polly however spends most of her life eating and gets her orgasms from Tim Tams.

This hilarious play, written in the style of Luke Milton or Barry Dickens’ ‘Mag and Bag’, starts with about 15 minutes of non-stop, eye watering absurdity. The kind where you will shake your head and think ‘did she really say that?’ The writer has still, even in  such a cookie production, retained some wonderful writing skills.
Summer Williams has grasped the explicit, demanding part totally. Her performance was stunning. Anne, who played Polly, was obviously a rank newcomer to the stage, but in the firm grasp of director Ian Bolgia’s hands, this debutante has blossomed into a wonderful character.
An extremely funny and totally tasteless play with a touch of pathos added.

Two excellent and very different presentations. This theatre has only about 60 seats; when the word gets around, tickets will be in very great demand, so book early.