Now if your flat mate came home with Father Christmas you would be a bit put out. This is what Alan Ayckbourn had in mind for Alison Pargeter in his brilliant new play “Sugar Daddies”. As with all Ayckbourn’s plays there are several morals mixed up in the plot and this one has superb humour thrown in from the off. The pace does not waver as the story line unfolds and takes the audience through the intrigues of the playwrights mind. Alan Ayckbourn directs using dialogue, silences and an empty stage to masterful effect with Roger Glossop’s set design in the background whilst David Newton’s music is heard when needed.
“Sugar Daddies” is in repertory at the Round, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough from the 17th of July until the 13th September, 2003.
The part of Sasha is made for Ailson Pargeter as she shows us the talent that is bursting to be let loose on the theatre public. Her name Pargeter gives a clue to her subtle Norfolk accent which she uses to great effect to show that a Kings Lynn girl has hidden depths. Sasha, the younger sister, has come to London to stay with her boy friend seeking sister Chloë, played nicely by Anna Brecon. To pay her way she washes dishes at the Dorchester in the evenings whilst she spends her days on a college catering course. All seems normal until she befriends a Father Christmas, who has been knocked down by a car. The elderly gentleman removes his beard and immediately wants to be known as Uncle Val. Rex Garner, gives just the right touch to the character of Val and shows that he is not all that he appears to be as he showers gifts on his new found friend. When Ashley, played by Terence Booth, moves into the flat below old intrigues are revived. All you need then is to get one of Uncle Val’s old friends Charmaine, played by Eliza Hunt, to help Sasha decorate the flat, invite her to dinner and you have a typical Ayckbourn set up where anything can happen and does. No more of the plot, go and see for yourself.
This is a great new play and will keep many an audience happy for years to come. Do not miss it and enjoy the acting. These moments are rare in the theatre. Savour it. © BA
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