Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 15 June 2024
Reviewed by Alison Beaumont
4****
Kay Mellor’s The Syndicate brings the first series of the hit tv show to the stage. Directed by Gaynor Faye (Kay’s daughter), in honour of her mum who sadly passed away in 2022 after she had adapted the tv show for the stage. I am a great fan of all Kay Mellor’s work and was interested to see how this brilliant series was brought from TV to a play.
The Syndicate is set in Leeds and tells the story of five supermarket workers who win £24 million on the lottery just as their jobs are under threat. It shows the dilemma faced when one of the syndicates members was behind on their payments to the death of one of the members and how money can not buy happiness.
The play starred a few well-known actors which I think was needed.
Gaynor Faye who many may know from Coronation Street and Fat Friends to name a couple of the credits to her name not only directed the play but also played the role of Kay.
Samantha Giles (Bernice from Emmerdale) portrayed the role of Denise the downtrodden dog loving employee. She very much had the Yorkshire accent to a tee.
Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster from Coronation Street) played the part of Amy who is Stuart’s money grabbing girlfriend who spends money on the finer things in life. She has some good one liners and made people laugh, definitely a good choice for this role.
Jamie played by Oliver Anthony was in one of the series of the tv show of the syndicate. For me he was the best and funniest member of the cast. His character was a loveable rogue who always seems to get into trouble.
Leanne (Rosa Coduri-Fulford) is quite secretive about her past and portrays the part well.
William Ilkley plays Bob who is the boss of the supermarket is a kind, caring and honest man and was a good solid performer.
Benedict Shaw who has also appeared in Emmerdale and Hollyoaks plays Stuart who takes everything to heart and is Amy’s partner.
To me it brought back memories of the TV show and was entertaining with some funny jokes and easy to watch.