Bright Lights Over Bentilee Review
A UFO sighting in Bentilee? Really? When Claybody theatre put a social media call out to anyone around the area in 1967, who knew about this event, it had many of us spitting out our tea – Review by Mel Osborne
Jokes about two many beers on a night out were banded about in comments, but
writer and artistic director Deborah McAndrew dug deeper – there was a story to be told, and she was going to tell it…
The Bright Lights Over Bentilee is Claybody theatres latest offering being played at The Dipping House, Spode Works. Directed by Conrad Nelson it explores if there really is life out there.
Reluctant matriarch Beverly Alcock (Polly Lister) has her hands full with her boy mad daughter Slyvie (Ava Ralph) and nerdy niece Jean ( Kymberley Cochrane).
Meanwhile Jeans new boss, Sidney Kettle (Jack Wilkinson) lives and breathes anything astrological and chases UFO sightings in the area. But one night Jean witnesses a sighting that changes everyone’s life forever.
(Images by Andrew Billington.)
As with other Claybody productions the audience is immersed into Bentilee life from the moment they walk through the door. Arrive early and take time to view the amazing scenery developed by apprentices at KMF.
Claybody’s loyal and committed community cast open the show with quotes from witnesses of the strange sighting in 1967. In fact there were so many stories you start to think that maybe it wasn’t the result of a dodgy barrel at the local
Claybody stories focus on community and celebrates all we love about Stoke from phrases such as ‘snappin’ to the way everyone says goodbye with a million ‘Ta Ta’s!
Lister as Beverly Alcock channels Pat Phoenix with a perfectly coiled bouffant and comic timing to boot. Kymberley Cochrane provides an engaging performance as maths whizz Jean and was a delight to watch.
There is a bit of something for everyone in this show – comedy, drama, romance and, very new for Claybody – science fiction. The most wonderful moment is the ending which you just won’t predict, but is utterly perfect.
Whilst the premise of the story is about UFO sightings it digs deeper by exploring just what drives and inspires us.
What is the meaning of life and why are we here. All of us?
McAndrew has a talent for creating strong female leads but I think Beverly Alcock is the most joyous character created yet.
The on-stage banter between Slyvia and Jean was faultless. Ava Ralph portrayed Slyvia with such careful precision as the high pitched Stokie girl with a love of nice clothes and fast men. Well observed.
Tickets to this show sold out fast, and with little wonder as Claybody Theatre has become as much to Stoke as a cheese and bacon oatcake. Their stories bring communities together and offers affordable theatre which locals can relate to and inspires endless conversations after the show.
By reflecting on the past, we can plan for the future. It is with bated breath we watch to see what happens next.
Bright Lights Over Bentilee is at The Dipping House until 12 October 2024.
5 stars
