A gaggle of laughs and joy with a sweet undertone.
Ian Hallard’s new comedy has everything you need from an evening at the theatre, laughter, Abba, wigs, platforms and a feel good ending. The show follows the rekindling of a friendship between Edwards (James Bradshaw) and Peter (Ian Hallard). After a Grindr set up we quickly realise they are old friends and there is zero sexual chemistry between the pair – but a witty repartee nonetheless. The inciting incident comes when Edward suggests the pair attempt to right a past trauma of a Abba concert in school with a second Abba concert – this time in drag.
The drama comes in the shape of Christian (Andrew Horton) who manipulates the pair and their friendship to his own gain. Sadly though this twist is wrapped up neatly in one final scene which all seems a bit convenient for the plot.
Our sweet story of friendship is supported by the incredible female cast of Sally (Donna Berlin), Mrs Campbell (Sara Crowe) and Jodie (Rose Shalloo). Each brings a different energy and flesh out the piece. Crowe is outstanding as the quiet Scottish piano player, with 90% of her lines bringing the house down in laughter – she is really incredibly enigmatic. Shalloo plays the talkative and bubbly Jodie with charm and ease – would’ve loved to hear her properly belt out The Winner Takes it All. Berlin is a perfect antidote with her sarcastic droll witticism and lack of time for bitchy fakeness – showing even in the first scene where Jodie insults her multiple times and still she responds with kindness.
The revolving set from Janet Bird, brings a disco fever feel and is ergonomically suggestive of the time period. However the revolve could benefit from smoother transitions between the scenes – particularly time jumps which became a little elongated with the spin and cheeky Abba tunes.
Birds costumes are on point – the ABBA dresses are particularly pleasing and do I need to say anything about Mrs Campbell’s Beard. I’d also personally love to know where they got Jodies boiler suit!
Where the play is lacking is in the real depth – there are moments of real poignant throughout but seem surface level. Even when it comes to the Christian conflict with it being resolved so quickly it all becomes a bit nice. Whether this is a script issue or direction is to be seen, particularly moments where there are less cast on stage could benefit from more truthful storytelling from some of the cast.
Overall the show is a warm and pleasantly engaging evening at the theatre – with some stellar punchlines and a whole lotta love for Abba.