Review of Wrington Drama Club’s Summer Production: “Strictly Sex Factor On Ice”
Wrington Drama Club’s summer production of “Strictly Sex Factor On Ice” by David Tristram was an absolute delight and undoubtedly the highlight of the year. This hilarious play, featuring a cast of four talented actors, had the audience in stitches from start to finish.
Plot and Performance: The plot revolves around a meeting of the Little Grimley drama group, led by the ambitious Chairman Gordon, played brilliantly by Jonathan Duke. Gordon’s outlandish ideas to compete with professional productions lead to the creation of a show combining elements of “Strictly Come Dancing,” “The X Factor,” and “Dancing on Ice,” but performed on roller blades due to the absence of ice. The title, spiced up as a marketing tool, sets the stage for a series of hilarious disasters.
Cast Highlights:
- Jonathan Duke as Gordon: Duke’s portrayal of the overzealous chairman was spot-on, capturing Gordon’s relentless ambition and knack for persuasion.
- Eleanor Cashman as Margaret: Cashman brought a steadying influence to the group with her performance as Margaret, balancing the chaos with her composed demeanor.
- Adam Cashman as Bernard: Making his debut in amateur dramatics, Adam Cashman shone as Bernard, the maintenance man turned actor. His sense of humour and natural charm were evident, and his performance was a joy to watch.
- Julie Plant as Joyce: Plant’s antics on roller blades were nothing short of spectacular. Her comedic timing and physical comedy made her a standout, and she would indeed make a terrific clown.
Overall Experience: The production was a rollercoaster of laughter, with each scene building on the absurdity of the previous one. The chemistry among the cast members was palpable, and their collective effort brought David Tristram’s witty script to life. The audience was thoroughly entertained, and the play’s clever blend of popular TV show elements with amateur dramatics was a stroke of genius.
I must also heap praise on Director Julie Kingcott. She never fails to deliver high quality productions. The Backstage crew of Richard Kingcott, Barry Sale and Toby Abbott who expertly present effective lighting and sound and last but not least, the Prompts Christine Parnham and Margaret Morris, who had very little to do, which is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the cast.
And finally, the venue of Barley Wood House is exceptional. Originally, the play was intended to be an outside production but thanks to the inclement weather had to be brought inside. Thanks to the support and help of Zach the Venue Manager, it was moved inside.
In conclusion, Wrington Drama Club’s “Strictly Sex Factor On Ice” was a resounding success. The cast’s performances, combined with the hilarious plot, made it a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who attended. This production is a testament to the talent and dedication of the Wrington Drama Club, and we eagerly await their next performance.