Time Pieces

Time Pieces is a season of two very different one act plays, both by local writer Siobhan Wright. The first, Ring Ring, is a play made up almost entirely of phone conversations, directed by Charlie Baker. The second play, Maggie and the Magic Lamp is a lighter play, set at Christmas, that sits somewhere between an episode of Mrs Brown’s Boys and a seasonal pantomime.

Ring Ring is set in multiple locales, as we listen to halves of telephone conversations. What at first appear to be unrelated vignettes gradually become a cohesive story and we learn that all parties are connected. Prakriti Rayamajhi is lovely and convincing as Jane, a young mum trying to hold her marriage together. Kelly Fisher has sass and confidence as a woman working her way through numerous dates. Louise Plant brings conviction to the role of Jane’s babysitter Kathy, while Christine Ellis ages up nicely to play Kathy’s elderly mother, Maude. Director Charlie Baker and Lizzie Baker team up nicely to play two unnamed trouble-making teens. Nicely presented with good pace, and a well resolved story.

Writer Siobhan Wright directs her own show in Maggie and the Magic Lamp, about Irish mammy Maggie and some unlikely events. Amanda Walker brings a broad characterisation to Maggie who is very reminiscent of Brendan O’Carroll’s Mrs Brown, complete with Dublin accent. Her daughter KissyKissy is played with flair by Claudia Monterosso, with Ben Roberts having fun with follicly challenged son, Dim Jim. Heather Marshall is sweet as neighbour Mary-Jo Malarky, with Paul Cook giving Panto-style prowess to The Genie. Cameos nicely played by Charlie Baker and Nina Stewart complete the cast. The show is good fun and played with punch and pace.

An entertaining night (or afternoon) at the theatre. These little plays provide a pleasant diversion and leave their audience smiling.

Kimberley Shaw