REVIEW: 'Sunkissed' at Sheringham Little Theatre
How many genuinely big laughs should a good comedy play have? Three? Four? Five even? Well, the world premiere of James Cawood's 'Sunkissed' on Wednesday night easily surpassed that spiralling hilariously off into double figures.
This hugely enjoyable comedy revelled in a simple but effective and evocative Mediterranean villa set with courtyard and well. The story followed two friends, Daisy and Emma, who arrive on the Spanish island of Mallorca for a week of sun, sand and sangria, but find themselves surprisingly confronted with a romantic ghost (or two) from their past.
Written and tautly directed by James Cawood ('Stone Cold Murder', 'Death Knell'), 'Sunkissed' is curiously both relaxed and energetic. At times wordy, at others frenetic; it's always entertaining.
After her impressive stint in SLT's 'Dial 'M' for Murder' earlier this summer, the brilliant Rachel Nottingham returned to play brazen, blowsy brand-seeker Emma with verve, style and skill. Her character's energy was effectively counterbalanced by Olivia Wright's cool and controlled turn as Daisy. Kyle Fraser again brought his wonderful stage presence and effortless likeability back to the SLT stage as Clive; and the impeccable Paul Huntley-Thomas (also fresh from 'Dial 'M') returned with an astonishing sensitive but paradoxically physical performance as Hugo, both detached yet riotous, which suggested possible issue from a successful love-match between Bill Nighy and Basil Fawlty. All in all, four impressively accomplished performances.
Stage direction was inventive and kinetic, with some very funny but dangerous-looking physical comedy which was beautifully executed.
Once again Kirk Wills excelled with costume design (as he has done throughout the SLT Summer Season) and the lighting and sound team were spot on in creating a sound and lightscape to reflect and enhance the tone of the performance.
'Sunkissed' runs until Wednesday, August 28. Tickets £14-£21 available online or telephone 01263 822347.
SLT's Summer Theatre season concludes with The Goodale Brothers' comedy 'Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense' (August 30- September 4.) CHRIS SADLER
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