Glossop audiences are taking a shine to a cute little canine and it’s not just puppy love.
Partington Players’ current production ’Sylvia’ is all about a stray dog of the same name.
Playing the lead role with a pedigree performance is young actress Katy Nicholls, and from the first time she scampers on stage to the final scene she is absolute magic.
In charge of Sylvia, who he finds in a Manhattan park, is fading and failing financial trader Greg, who takes her home to meet wife Kate. The English teacher is clearly unimpressed by Sylvia and the situation gets worse when she believes Greg loves his dog more than her. It becomes a battle of the sexes which results in Kate chasing Sylvia around the apartment with Greg looking haplessly on.
Michael Ward, who plays Greg, and Sheryl Stokes are brilliant, but the stand out performance comes from Katy as Sylvia. Her interpretation of a doting dog who can quickly turn feisty is fantastic.
Written by American playwright A R Gurney, ‘Sylvia’ is a glorious mix of the absurd and ridiculous with a huge dollop of love thrown in.
The comedy, which premiered on Broadway in 1982 has some wonderful characters. Sam Scott as Bowser the dog’s owner Tom, is great as a typical Brooklyn boy with an accent to match, who walks the walk and talks the talk. He also doubles up in smaller roles as one of Kate (the wife) friends and psychiatrist.
Skilfully directed by Jayne Skudder this production of Sylvia lacks nothing. Jayne has brilliantly blended bursts of mood music sung by American singers and added atmospheric shots of New York skylines as backcloths.
Sylvia ends its six night run at Glossop’s Henry Street Theatre on Saturday May 17.
When I went for Monday’s opening night it received a standing ovation with the audience talking about it as they left the theatre.
I won’t spoil anyone’s enjoyment by revealing the ending, so be sure to catch it if you can.
