IF you decide to go to the Theatre At The Mill to see BelfastActually be prepared. This is a terrific night out, full of laughs and a lesson in living in hope with a lot of interaction between audience and players.
From the minute Gareth bursts on stage rocking a folk song we’re with him, clapping and singing along and believe me it gets us off to a great start. The energy in this show, written by Leesa Harker and directed by Andrea Montgomery, never lets up. There are serious little moments which play out against the rumpus that is a love story with three couples facing many and various problems.
For instance, the instant attraction between MLAs Molly (Rosie Barry) of the Green Party and Billy (Adam Gillian), orange to his finger tips, only means trouble. Then there’s Gareth (Patrick McBrearty), a singer with prospects facing the devotion of his manager Minnie (Christine Clark), but he’s lusting after a lost love, so there seems little hope. Joe (Stefan Dunbar) runs a bereavement group and here we meet Jill (Debra Hill), Janine and rumbustious Alison, played by McBrearty showing his comic genius.
A cast of six weave in and out of characters without losing their main roles of couples looking for love at Christmas. Do they find it?
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The set designed by David Craig is bright and practical, offering actors a range of situations - in fact the entire production crew should take a bow.
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From my vantage point I could see the audience as well as the stage and the two became one as gales of laughter swept through the auditorium, sometimes stopping the actors in their tracks as a voice from the gods encourages them to keep seeking their dreams.
The three men are handsome and the women in the theatre certainly appreciate them with whoops and whistles. These are theatregoers who knew what to expect from Leesa but despite a fair scattering of leopard print and a sprinkling of sparkle, there’s not a hint of Maggie Muff.
By the way, the good news is that Gareth makes it to New York following the success of his hit single ‘Potato Farl Heart’ - but does he get the girl?
BelfastActually runs at the Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey until December 30. Theatreatthemill.com, box office 0300 1237788
