THEATRE REVIEWS

Outside edge, written by Richard Harris is a play, centred around the sport of cricket, but not intended to be about cricket. It revolves around the contrasting people who are attending a match.

We are initially introduced to the set doused in bright illumination, simulating a cricket pavilion (set design by David North) whilst the distinct cricket theme music is played. The overall mood is instantly lightened and instils the feeling that fun will follow.

The first set begins with Roger who is played by Robert Duncan, agonising whether his cricket team will attend or not, whilst his busybody wife Miriam played by Sabina Franklyn, only concerns herself with being the best hostess in the region. Miriam's voice tended towards the higher frequencies at times which occasionally grated, but did precipitate the feeling of irritation intended from this character.

Other characters are diverse in appearance and personality further enhanced by their different dialects. For example we have; the smarmy status symbol ladies man played by Frazer Hines, the East End wide boy by Craig Fairbrass, the pompous Southern Lawyer by John Rose with his bimbo go-go dancing girlfriend by Claire Marlow.

An exceptionally funny performance was delivered by Anita Graham who played Maggie, a bricklaying loving nymphomaniac, delivering one-liners with implicit timing, maintaining a deadpan face throughout. Her performance was assisted by her sidekick and downright scruffy husband, Kevin played by Ian Swann.

There were no set changes, but the exuberant characters distracted from this allowing one to forget the initial setting and reason for the assembling of all the characters, a cricket match.

You definitely do not have to be a fan of cricket to enjoy this light hearted comedy. © SG

“Outside Edge” is in Sheffield on the 20th July to 24th July, 2004 and then continues a nationwide tour.