Richmond Theatre – until 30th April 2022
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
5*****
Sheila’s Island written by Tim Firth is about a group of ladies that are on a team-building weekend. With Sheila (Judy Flynn) a Marketing Manager being placed as the team leader thinking she knows it all, but it turns out shes overthinking and looking into the clues too deeply. This only causing thing to take a turn for the worst as their boat manages to hit a rock causing all four employees finding themselves stranded on an island in The Lake District. As the time passes by with no rescue in site and the only rucksack that has gone missing holding all their food supplies, they begin to become ratty and fights break loose making then become slightly unstable in more ways than one! As hidden secrets start also sneaking in, how will these four cope with the situation they now find themselves in.
Sheila (Judy Flynn) likes to take charge plays a very positive role, likes to think she can cope with a crisis she a constructive captain trying to keep everyone upbeat. Denise (Abigail Thaw) Is an over talker, oversharer plays her part extremely well as the sarcastic one but only has only negative things to say and is very patronising. Julie (Rina Fatania) had the audience in stitches on many occasions talking about anything and everything rambling out aloud. She’s a jack of all trades but an expert in none. Has all the camping gear but absolutely no idea! Fay (Sara Crowe) who comes across very religious after going through a traumatic time in life seems to be an avid bird watcher continuously thanking God for the birds around her seems to be enjoying herself with the natural wildlife, she comes across like shes in a running wildlife documentary so funny.
What an outstanding performance by all on stage was brilliant to watch the connection they all had as well as the many laughs. The whole audience had the attack of the hysterics throughout the play.
The stage was of a woodland forest with uneven flooring and naked tree branches surrounding the area with a see-through fabric in-between, representing fog giving it a murky look. A stillness within the branches and smoke enhancing the whole scene. Lighting was done extremely well just excellent.
Along with some fabulous one liners what more could you want. Spectacular cast offering so much. If you want a great evening out be sure to go and what this show.