THEATRE REVIEWS

Fancy singing about shopping on the internet? Well it can be done, as has been proved in a new musical called Cybershopping, with music by Loz Kaye and words by Laurie Sansom. Liza Westerman, played by Lesley Nicol, gets a solicitor's letter stating that her ex husband is going to collect his belongings. However, Liza has other ideas and decides to sell his things on the internet auction site eBay. Then the fun starts.

We experience the philosophy of eBay through the singing of Anna Francolini, Jon-Paul Hevey, Alastair Parker, Craig Pinder and Caroline Sheen, who take on the role of the functions within the internet site. Lots of snappy singing and dancing, not too much story, situated around a desk. Portrayed as something of a new religion, we are drawn into all the distractions and pitfalls that can get hold of your money when you think that you are enjoying yourself.

An entertaining approach to a subject that will appeal to schools and colleges. The singing is first rate as is the acting. It will give a new view of the world to those who have not quite got to grips with the twenty-first century. © BA

“A Beginner's Guide to Cybershopping” is in repertory at the McCarthy in Scarborough from the 17th February to the 12th of March, 2005. This is a No Smoking theatre.