An interesting and informative but all-together too short and incomplete production.

Actors triumph over the script but that sadly doesn’t make the play worthwhile.

Filthy but delicious. A fun way to spend an evening out with your friends and most definitely away from your kids.

Once this production gets going I defy anyone not to laugh – it's old fashioned panto-style humour at its best.

Written & directed by Michael Eckett★★ Pros: Energetic and dedicated performances and some genuinely funny moments. Cons: Some of the plays were stronger than others; at certain points I was baffled and my attention drifted. Our Verdict: A great subject that could be better exploited for both drama and/or comedy. Some more background information would have been helpful to get the best from the production. Courtesy of Sigil Club Productions The Hen and Chickens is a theatre space above a ...

A Border Story – Sarah Pitard Directed by Eyal Israel The Utility People – Michael Ross  Directed by Cat Robey ★★ Pros: A lot of genuine humour and originality in the writing, delivered admirably by the actors Cons: Two short plays meant there was less to get your teeth into. The stories lacked a deeper sense of emotion, and it was overall a bit unnecessarily preachy. Our verdict: A snappy and witty couple of plays with an interesting and topical message but ...

Judy Upton, Melanie Hunter, Camilla Whitehill and Wendy Thomson Directed by Tessa Shrubsall and Charlie Ely ★★★ Pros: An eclectic mix of light-hearted and serious insights into life in England with some laugh-out-loud moments. Cons: The four ten-minute plays didn’t manage to go beyond being rather cursory glances into what could have been interesting topics.  Our Verdict: A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a night with friends and be introduced to some emerging young playwrights. Courtesy of Grey and Green ...

Paul Raymond & Luke ManningDirected by Paul Raymond and Luke Manning★★★ Pros: Fresh, energetic and original. In Cahoots show a lot of promise and works the audience well, especially in such a small venue. Their improvisation is very strong and shows real comedic talent underneath the written material. Cons: The performance wasn’t as slick as it might have been. Whilst this added a certain organic quality to their show, they need to be careful not to let it get out ...

James Morton Directed by James Morton and Chris Lawson ★★★ Pros: A topical and fresh idea which will appeal to a young audience.  Cons: The play (and its audience) would benefit enormously from an interval. In its current format, it is difficult to give the play your full attention, especially towards the end.  Our Verdict: An interesting idea for a play, but an older audience may struggle with the concept. The play needs an interval and the length of some ...

Alan Ayckbourn Directed by Lucy Bull ★★ Pros: A really enjoyable performance by Nicola Bland brings life to this performance of Ayckbourn’s black comedy. There is some clever use of the simple set. Cons: There is a lack of comic timing, the laughs are sporadic and the action can be a little forced. Some weak performances leave the production feeling flat. Our Verdict: Black comedy relies on crisp delivery of one liners, puns and visual humour to bring enjoyable laughs ...