THEATRE REVIEWS

The slippery slope that television has taken has been aided by Soap which makes the slope even more slippery. This new play by Sarah Woods is the sixth to commemorate Sophie Winter and tackles how ludicrous British and Australian Soap operas are. She goes about it with an over the top presentation of two imaginary families who work their way through various situations; best summed up with the phrase, "People like us only go on boats when we have to drown". The direction is by Laurie Sansom who has again managed to place parts of Jessica Curtis's set where they cannot be viewed by the entire audience.

Eight actors play parts in both country's offerings, one focused in a pub the other set on a boat. Avid Soap fans will find plenty to chuckle at, whilst non viewers will find the presentation boring and childish. With continuity not always tying up and over the top acting the actors showed what viewers see every night.

This was an attempt to do something different. It will have worked for some people, but will have been like attending a school play for others. You can only try it and see if it is what you enjoy. © BA

“Soap” is in repertory at the Round in Scarborough from the 16th September to the 9th of October, 2004.