Big Big Sky Review
With the summer holidays approaching what better than a seasonal play set at the good old British seaside. Big Big sky based on the book by Tom Wells and directed by Bryn Holding is the latest comedy drama to grace Newcastle under Lyme’s circle in the round theatre – Review by Mel Osborne
BigBig sky is set in a cliff cafe at Kilnsea, based on Wells own experience as a waiter in his younger days. Angie’s cafe is a haven for tourists, birdwatchers and Dennis who regularly enjoys a pastie and beans.
As the season comes to an end loveable Midlander Ed arrives at the cafe ruffling the feathers of the plain-speaking waitress Lauren. The play spans over 12 months as the characters navigate love, life, loss and new beginnings.
(Images supplied by the New Vic. Credit: Andrew Billington.)
One of the beauties of the theatre in the round is that it provides an immersive theatre experience and the audience can feel part of the show.
In this instance we were having a cup of tea at Blue Bell cafe run by Angie, where there are no fancy coffee machines but a chalk board menu and the best wonky vegan cakes ever.
Around the stage the sea is projected with seagulls hanging above which creates a relaxing and escapist ambience.
The four-hander cast gel well as they portray relatable characters at varying stages of life. Roxanne Morgan as Lauren and the romance with Loveable Black Country lad, Ed(Sam Baker-Jones) is performed with truth and love.
Talented Morgan also provides music throughout the show accompanying country songs with the acoustic guitar and is a natural comedian as her facial expressions speak a thousand words in relation to Baker-Jones, amusing physical theatre antics.
The story explores the complications of grief and how it impacts individuals. Each character has experienced loss, much the same as real life.
By the time we reach adulthood we will have lost a significant person from our lives. Dennis (Simeon Truby) is a no-nonsense Northerner but his relationship with his late wife’s best friend forces him to face up to his emotions.
Simeon Truby is hilarious as the hapless widower who consumes a vast amount of beans throughout the show. Angie played by Tanya Loretta Dee, a New Vic regular with previous performances in The company of Wolves and Ladies down under, holds a sunny disposition, but she delicately performs a monologue on loss that will break your heart.
The subject of grief can be awash with cliches which can be immensely frustrating to anyone grieving.
Expectations on how long it should take, and when you should move on is unrealistic. Big Big sky reflects on how subtle grief is and how we experience it in different ways.
It has a fun element with line dancing and gentle humour and is very relatable. This is a heartwarming, triumph of a show offering a gentle hug to anyone who has ever lost a loved one.
4 Stars
