Tales Of
The Unexpected
End of the Pier
South Shields Customs House
Until Saturday 26th
August 2017
Writer & Director: Neil Armstrong
Production Manager: Gareth Hunter
Lighting: John Rainsforth
Wardrobe: Kate Hamilton
The
End of the Pier is a crime comedy which takes place on the final night of
an end of pier show. With a number of twists, and laughs, there is plenty here
to keep the audiences guessing.
Edith
and Lionel Bosh don’t like each other. However, as a married double act,
they’re expected to entertain the crowds for each night. They have been
performing as ‘The Lovebirds’ for the
past 25 years which has given them plenty of opportunity to really get on each
other’s nerves. In fact they both plan to kill their partner during the final
show of their current 3 month season.
The
humour of tonight’s show is similar to the Space/Cerys Matthews hit from the
90s ‘The Ballad of Tom Jones’. Experience
and on stage chemistry between Zoe Lambert and Neil Armstrong, as the acting
couple Edith & Lionel, was essential in order to make this show work. The
audience has to feel their dislike for one another and the determination to see
the end of each other. Zoe and Neil did a fine job of keeping the pace of the
show moving along nicely.
In
supporting roles are panto legend Bob Stott as theatrical agent Barnaby and
Wayne Miller as Stagedoor man Tam. Wayne is great as the
tenacious theatre worker. He comes across as authentic when dealing with the “luvvy”
actors.
The
atmospheric setting of the changing room of the Edwardian Theatre was achieved
on the Customs House stage. However, I’d prefer the gun sounds to be a little
louder as it would help increase the impact.
The
tale is full of its little twists and you have a nice contrast between the well
read actors and the unsympathetic theatre worker. The story wouldn’t look out
of place on TV. It was a pleasant show to watch and is a great start to The
Custom House’s season.
Review
by Stephen
Oliver
Tickets:
End of the
Pier runs from Tuesday 22nd August, from Saturday 26th
August 2017,
with shows at 7.30pm and a 2.30pm matinee on Thursday and Saturday.
Tickets are
£18, or £15 for Friends of The Customs House. Contact the box office on (0191)
454 1234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk.
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