IN A play that emphasises more than any other the importance of a review’s every word, All and Sundry’s gripping production of the adult comedy ‘Silly Cow’ has more than earned a fiercely rave one.
The play follows the self righteous and brash tabloid journalist Doris, played by Joy Williamson, who with the help of those around her, and a dose of manipulation on her part, attempts to brush off backlash against her theatre and TV reviews while furthering her career.
Williamson perfectly portrays Doris as a woman who believes her own delusions and revels in her warped logic, while showing just a hint of the vulnerable woman behind the bravado (and not doing the reputation of us newspaper folk any favours).
The blasé way she recalls an unexploded bomb ‘almost ruining her big story’ leaves you both engrossed in her obsession for a big career and appalled by her lack of morality.
There’s more than a hint of social commentary in the comedy and the play uses Doris’ shy, ‘by the book’ assistant, Peggy as a good contrast to her mentality.
Tanith Garcia is mesmerising in the role and captures the complexities of Peggy’s character masterfully.
Mark Ewins wonderfully encompasses the essence of an archetypal sleazy media editor through Sidney, crafting an authentic character by analysing every detail down to the shifty body language.
Meanwhile Graham Forbes brought an endearing charm to the awkward, straight-laced accountant Douglas, and his deadpan delivery made for some unexpectedly hilarious moments.
And a special mention for Matt Field’s turn as Doris’ young boyfriend Eduardo, whose infectious energy and commitment to his character’s quirky adolescent mannerisms was a breath of fresh air.
The impeccable groundwork laid out by the play’s first half had me both perplexed and intrigued- I didn’t know what was coming but I knew it’d be a ton of fun – and it was.
But nothing could’ve prepared me for the genius post interval shenanigans that left the audience enthralled, disorientated and roaring with laughter.
One particularly tasty piece of character centred humour involves Doris and Peggy bickering while ordering a pizza, while the latter’s sudden outburst to Eduardo in defence of her boss left the audience in hysterics.
The show has a recommended age limit of 18 and over and – during these times of often over-sanitised comedy TV shows, films and theatre productions – definitely provides some of the non-PC humour we all used to enjoy.
‘Silly Cow’ is truly critique proof and you can watch it at Droitwich’s Norbury Theatre from 7.30pm every evening until Saturday, October 1.
Tickets, at £15 each can be bought by visiting https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/norburytheatre/silly-cow-presented-by-all-and-sundry/e-jrkpgq
