Sugar Daddies by Sir Alan Ayckbourn

The Australian premiere of this Alan Ayckbourn comedy revealed a thoroughly watchable cautionary tale.
Sweet and innocent Sasha, played by Candace Wise, invites an elderly Santa Claus back to the apartment she shares with her sister, after he is almost run down in the street. This invitation turns into an interesting relationship as the man Val (Stephen Greenacre) becomes her personal Santa Claus and ultimately her Sugar Daddy and draws her into a world beyond her wildest expectations.
Candace Wise made one of the most outstanding community theatre debuts as the central character in this strange tale. A gorgeously natural performance, she is a disarmingly honest actress.
Stephen Greenacre was very likeable as the charming crook that wins her affections. He was nicely matched by Alan Morris as his long time antagonist Ashley.
Nyree Hughes played older sister Chloe, love jaded and cynical. Nyree managed to make this character admirable and likeable, despite her negativity. An excellent performance.
Jacqui Warner shone in a very surprising cameo as a tarty and exuberant former lady of the night. An unlikely casting, she was outstanding and hilariously funny.
Settings and costumes were nicely employed in illustrating this rags to riches tale, with some lovely use of properties.
Nicely paced and beautifully directed, this was a well-polished production that deserved better patronage.
Kimberley Shaw

Image: Candace Wise and Nyree Hughes