THEATRE REVIEWS

Take an unusual subject such as a cherry spitting contest and make a musical out of it? Well the Egyptians used to bet pyramids on the outcome of their contests so why not make a musical out of the result. This is a new musical, one of three commissioned and directed by Laurie Sansom to encourage writers and composers. In Spittin' distance the book is by Toby Davies who shares the lyric writing with music man Grant Olding.

Set in America, against newspaper covered scenery by Pip Leckenby, the world championship gets underway in the town of Sans Serif. In the contest, run by Glick, played by Lesley Nicol, the contestants are a mixed bunch, ranging from Hillbilly Clint, played by Jon-Paul Hevey, K'Nipp, an eccentric Scotsman, played by Alastair Parker, old timer Hyram, played by Craig Pinder and Gestetna, played by Caroline Sheen in disguise. All are endeavouring to spit a cherry pip 100 feet, a feat that is brought about by different methods of control and delivery by each contestant. All this is watched over by newspaper reporter Sheen played by Anna Francolini. The plot has the usual ingredients of competitive spirit, intrigue and romance mixed with folklore and, what is required in all musicals, magic. The singing is ear catching with haunting melodies that return to the mind after the event, played by a trio under the direction of Andrew Panton.

This is an interesting piece of writing that may well pave the way for the writers to give us some more of their talent, especially when backed up by such a fine cast. Well worth a trip to the theatre for this intriguing one act musical, well suited to musical societies looking for something different. © BA

“Spittin' Distance” is in repertory at the McCarthy in Scarborough from the 17th February to the 12th of March, 2005. This is a No Smoking theatre.