Yvonne Arnaud – until Saturday 22 April 2023
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
3***
As a first attempt at playwriting Ian Hallard has pulled in all his experience, both lived and played, to bring us a story of friendship and love. We have a window into a closeness between two gay men of a certain age, who have this crazy idea to create an ABBA tribute band, with a twist!
It is a poignant moment hearing the late Paul O’Grady giving the introduction. Keeping it in is a fitting tribute. His warmth and words set the scene. We first meet fast talking Jodie (Rose Shalloo) who gives an impressive dialogue with apparently no breath taken for several minutes! Jodie brings a humour to the piece with her honesty and Shalloo is childlike, delivering some very funny grown up lines! Writer and main character, Ian Hallard, is the serious Peter, who is on a journey to fulfil a dream and has an unrequited passion for ABBA. James Bradshaw (Edward) gives a dry, slightly jaded humour that compliments Peter perfectly. They rub along like an old pair of slippers for a while, until ABBA super fan Christian (Andrew Horton) enters the room. The story gives us hope that true friendship can last forever, regardless of the devious nature of characters like Christian. Sally (Donna Berlin) is the glue that brings the play together, keeping it real and looking after everyone. Sara Crowe (Mrs Campbell) is the star of the show for me, with perfectly timed, straight faced gags that have you rolling with laughter. Crowe’s experience shines through and she is in her element with this character.
The costume, particularly in the finale, takes you straight back to the 70’s when ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest. We finally hear one live ABBA song, as the two old friends repair their friendship, sitting on the settee gently singing together. Hallard’s first time out as a writer has many reflections of his own life and as a result has all the humour and passion of a touching human story.