Roleplay is the final play, and arguably the best, in Ayckbourn’s trilogy.
Set in a flat in London’s Docklands, Justin (Steve Davis) and his neurotic girlfriend, Julie-Ann (Emma Davis) prepare dinner for their parents with the aim of announcing their engagement.
Their plans are somewhat thwarted by the arrival of Paige (Michele Arkle), a violent boxing promoter’s moll and Micky (Phil Rainforth), the thug tasked with guarding her.
Threatened at gunpoint, Justin attempts to continue with dinner, with more than a side serving of hilarity.
Her parents, the tweedy, “where there’s brass there’s muck” couple conformed to every Yorkshire stereotype. They contrasted perfectly with Justin’s upper crust, half-cut mother, Arabella (Stevie Parker), whose line delivery was glorious and had us crying with laughter. Dead pan Micky, also played his part to perfection.
This show relies on a strong and cohesive cast and I’m pleased to say that they rose to the requirements to deliver a side splitting performance.
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