The TV and Theatre stars were out in force last night to support one of their own, Kym Marsh stepped on stage looking glamours as leading lady Beverley. We were transported in to a beautifully designed 70’s house by the talented Peter Butler. Throughout the evening each section of the house played a specific role in helping the cast tell the story. Specifically the bar and record player were at the centre of proceedings.

My personal highlight was once a record started spinning the house/stage would rotate. Not only did this change your angle and perspective, but gave a 360 view of the stage which is rare in any theatre performance. I’m always intrigued to see how the Exchange and company utilise their unique space and this was outstanding. Special mention must go to set construction Splinter Scenery and Stage Manager Sarah Barnes for facilitating this feet.

The tone was set straight away by Beverley putting a record on, pouring a large G&T and lighting up a cigarette. These actions became a recurring theme of the night. She was the host with the most, the queen of the castle and loved to top up her guests drinks, in her own words ” you alright” and “can i top you up?” and “go on have another”.

Enter Bevs husband Laurence (Graeme Hawley) a hard working stressed individual trying to navigate his business, Bev and tonight’s party which he clearly forgot about and could do with out. Both are fiery characters and often push and challenge each other, they clearly love each other but like winding each other up even more. The battles of who’s records should be played, dancing with different guests and the Art work in the bedroom were just a few of the many lovers tiffs that happen on this night.

The Doorbell rings, enter our first guests; a young newly married couple who have moved in recently down the road. Bubbly and chatty Angela (Yasmin Taheri) and Mr monosyllabic Tony. They are welcomed with open arms given a drink and tour, on the surface they are a regular couple but as the drinks flow, conversation and topics change so do their personalities.

Last but not least is Susan (Tupele Dorgu) the mother of Abigail, who has given up her house for her daughters party a few doors down. She is straight laced and the most sane of the group, until after far too many G&T’s, mostly forced on her she throws up and chaos follows.

The play is a snap shot in to a period of time wear the drinks, smokes and opinions were strong. The whole cast were brilliant form start to finish, they had the audience in stiches; the dancing scene in particular was comedy gold, which everyone was involved in at some stage. With any great dark comedy the audience were left unsure with one or two of the guests opinions and actions particularly; Abigail admitting Tony wished he could tape up her mouth to shut her up, Bev and Laurence bickering, leading to him grabbing her arm and Laurence returning from Abigail’s Party slowly followed by disheveled Tony.

I felt the audience really empathized with Susan, a lady who’s house has been turned in to the local disco. She constantly tries to leave, forced to drink and integrated about her ex and divorce . Its a real mix of characters and all together, fuelled by hard liquor its a recipe for disaster which ensues.

The whole cast were excellent, they really leaned in to their characters, which made us laugh but also feel anxious.

I would highly recommend this play, the cast and crew have clearly worked incredibly hard and have enjoyed themselves which shows onstage.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️