The stage began in blackout, illuminated only by the neon-pink glow catching the edges of a cut-glass tumbler that appeared to hold a cocktail on an elegant little table. It was a stylish, intriguing opening that set the tone for what would become an energetic and heartfelt hour. Bex (played by Sarah Parkins) stepped forward to introduce herself to the audience – now cast as the staff of her late father’s motor dealership. Still processing her grief, she struggled to maintain composure, her brave face slipping just enough for the audience to feel her vulnerability.
She was soon joined by her longtime friend Yaz (played by Finella Waddilove), who not only stars in the piece but also wrote and directed it. Their onstage chemistry makes perfect sense: the characters’ shared history mirrors the show’s own sense of intimate authorship. Together, they explore past highs and lows, navigating themes of friendship, loss, and mental health with a blend of honesty and humour that feels refreshingly straightforward and grounded.
On the eve of her driving ban ending, literally one day short, Bex makes the impulsive choice to hit the road anyway, deciding that a greasy, ultra-processed takeaway is worth breaking the law for. Judgy, moi?
What unfolds is a lively series of misadventures full of twists, questionable decisions, and escalating chaos. The duo find themselves in disguise, entangled in an hilarious high-speed mission, and somehow making each new problem even more ridiculous than the last, all to great comedic effect.
The production makes use of the lighting to mark shifts in scene and tone, allowing smooth transitions as the actors subtly and efficiently reposition furniture. Music is employed with engaging creativity, heightening tension during chase sequences and adding playful flair to the show’s more frenetic moments.
Both Waddlilove and Parkins deliver strong performances, with an easy chemistry that anchors the play. Waddilove’s comic timing, in particular, is a standout, being sharp, well-judged, and consistently funny without ever feeling forced.
Doughnut Drive is a fast-paced, heartfelt, and delightfully silly ride. At just an hour long, it manages to pack in humour, warmth, and a surprising amount of emotional nuance. A thoroughly enjoyable watch.
Review by Bernadette Lintunen
Last year, Bex’s dad died. And Bex ain’t coping too well…
She now heads his car dealership, Martin’s Motors – ironically, while harbouring a driving ban. On the eve before the ban is finally set to be lifted, Bex is seduced by her self-destructive streak and makes a truly muggy decision, with deadly consequences.
Desperate and spiralling, she turns to her best mate for help. But how exactly is Yaz’s passion for doughnuts and film club meant to fix this shambolic mess?
Cast – Sarah Parkins and Finella Waddilove
Writer/Director – Finella Waddilove
Producer – Rachel Duncan
Assistant Producer – George Bird
Composer/Lighting Designer/Technician – Cameron Pike
DOUGHNUT DRIVE
Drayton Arms Theatre
25 to 29 November 2025
