Neville's Island

Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review

Team building is taken to extremes in 'Neville's Island', Tim Firth's testosterone driven comedy which is currently playing at Altrincham Garrick.

A group of businessmen find themselves marooned on an island and try to come to terms with each other's irritating little foibles. It's a temperamental cauldron which takes seconds to boil over and when it does, it's impossible not to laugh.

The brash Gordon gets the best lines, haranguing Neville for his inept leadership, Roy for his Christian beliefs and Angus for his uptight manner. But their experiences bring out the best in Neville and Angus, while smart alec Gordon is well and truly put in his place.

All four characters will strike a chord with anyone who has worked in an office but they aren't stereotypes. The writer puts enough flesh on their bones to make us like and actually care about these guys. We all know someone like Gordon would be a nightmare to work with, but he's very funny, isn't he?

The play does contain bad language but I felt it was in context. After all, when you're cold, wet and hungry minding your p's and q's won't be too high on your list of priorities.

Barry Spencer seems to have cornered the market when it comes to playing rough types, and anyone who sees his Gordon will agree he does them superbly.

Hugh Everett is a very believable Angus, the human equivalent of the cowardly lion and Mark Edgar grows on you as the screwed up Roy.

But the real star of the show is the authentic island set created by Steve Bradshaw and his team. Take a bow guys, you deserve it.

Rick Bowen