Presented by the Tower Theatre Company and written by Robert Massey, Chancers is thought-provoking and humorous whilst showing us “there’s more than one way to win the lotto”.
Dee and Aiden Farrell are a decent couple facing tough times. Hard hit by Ireland’s recession, they’ve had to rent their home to strangers, a rough shower from Dublin, and move their family into their almost bankrupt convenience store. On the verge of losing it all a chance of money comes their way, via an unpleasant and opportunistic neighbour. Can local battleaxe Gertie Graham save them from financial ruin? She has the ticket to a brighter future, if only they can get their hands on it. Buoyed by their friend, JP, who has struggles of his own, they’re forced to wrestle with their consciences to decide just how desperate times need to be to justify desperate measures…
Philip Ley’s set, which is laid out like a typical convenience store, complete with some great props, works very well and is fully utilised by the cast.
Robert Massey’s script is a mix of light and dark comedy including some laugh out loud moments. Although the language is strong in parts, in my opinion it’s typically Irish and is in no way offensive.
The plot, whilst is does come across as a little surreal at times, is well-paced and whilst being very amusing it does allude to the crash of the Irish property bubble, without being depressing. The four strong cast work well together and have good onstage chemistry. Penny Turek, gives a solid performance as lucky, village gossip, Gertie. James Killeen (Aiden) and Ruth Anthony (Dee) play well off each other giving believable performances as the down on their luck couple. Sean McMullan as JP, the couple’s best friend just adds to the mayhem of the situation. The scenes between the three of them as they try to work out how to get hold of the ticket without Gertie knowing are excellent. The final scene is fantastic and manages to make you gasp and leave the theatre wanting more.
Review by Karen Pond
Dee and Aiden Farrell are a decent couple facing tough times. Hard hit by Ireland’s recession, they’ve had to rent their home to strangers, a rough shower from Dublin, and move their family into their almost bankrupt convenience store.
On the verge of losing it all a chance of money comes their way, via an unpleasant and opportunistic neighbour. Can local battleaxe Gertie Graham save them from financial ruin? She has the ticket to a brighter future, if only they can get their hands on it. Buoyed by their friend JP, who has struggles of his own, they’re forced to wrestle with their consciences to decide just how desperate times need to be to justify desperate measures…
What lengths will we go to when our backs against the wall? Don’t miss one of the Tower Theatre’s run of only six performances of this sizzling, fast and furious black comedy which shows us there is more than one way to win the lottery. This show contains strong language.
Cast:
Gertie : Penny Tuerk
Dee : Ruth Anthony
Aiden : James Killeen
JP : Sean McMullan
Production Team
Director : Lynn Facey
Set Design : Phillip Ley
Costume Design : Irena Pancer
Lighting Design : Adam Taylor
Sound Design : Ruth Sullivan
Chancers
by Robert Massey
Directed by Lynn Facey
Evenings at 7.30
Tuesday 15th – Saturday 19th December
Matinée at 3.00 Saturday 19th December
The Tower Theatre performing at the Bridewell Theatre, off Fleet Street
http://www.towertheatre.org.uk/
Saw it and loved it – within minutes you were living their lives – great actors, good story line and well directed – what more could you want?