– Advertisement –
JB Shorts returns to the 53two stage for the 27th time! Six short plays are showcased over the evening in a night of no-frills theatre showcasing the best of home-grown northern talent in the 53two theatre space.
Track and Field
The first play of the night, Track and Field, opened the show with the shock factor. Written by and starring Sarah McDonald Hughes as Kelly, and co-star Rosina Carbone, who plays Cat, excitedly asks, “do you want me to kill your ex-husband for you?” As the audience laughs, the music changes and with it, so does the scene. With only the pair on stage, Track and Field explores the relationship between two mums watching their children atthe athletics club each week, talking convincingly to their teens, off stage, on the track. As the weeks progress and the seasons change, the duo discuss life outside of sports practice and their kids’ chaotic lives. While murder may be off the cards for Kelly and Cat, Track and Field shows the very real and very scary side to separation and co-parenting and how these two women who hardly know each other have more in common than they first realised.
Old Love
Old Love is the second sporting instalment of the show. Set in the stands of the City ground, Old Love, written by ex-Emmerdale writer Dave Simpson, is Dave’s 22nd play for JB. Julie Edwards and Steven Hillman play Glenda and Jim, two football fanatics who meet by chance when Jim sells a season ticket for the seat next to him at a game, but this might not be the first time they’ve met. Stephen and Julie both act in the play as well as narrate the scenes, explaining their backstory and personal feelings to the audience to help drive their love story forward. A love story that started in Manchester, but spans all the way to Australia and back, the ageing pair begin to rekindle the spark they had as teens with a few twists and turns along the way.
Song for Tyso
The final play before the interval is a heart-wrenching play about men’s mental health, written by Peter Kerry and dedicated to his son Louis. Three university pals, Steve (Andrew Roy), Rich (Richard Oldham), and Gav (Joe Simpson) meet up for a long overdue camping trip. In their early days at uni together, the trio formed a band and a close bond, but as adult life took over after graduation, they lost touch, with only Gav and Rich keeping in contact. The pair are surprised that secretive Steve organised a trip out of the blue, but after opening up around the campfire, they realise the reason for his radio silence. After the loss of his son, Steve is struggling to continue being strong for his wife and daughter, but this heartbreaking revelation gives his friends an idea to help him open up. His first love, songwriting! Steve’s anguish is written all over his face, Andrew’s acting is impeccable as he chokes out the lyrics and plays guitar, and there’s not a dry eye in the house when this powerful play ends.
Thankfully, the interval between shows came at the right time, so the audience can grab a drink and a tissue for their tears, or give resident dog Albion a pat on the head before heading back into the theatre space for three more terrific performances.
They F*ck You Up
JB Shorts
As you walk back to your seats, it seems spooky season is truly upon us, as a coffin lies centre stage. They F*ck You Up is the next play on the bill, written by Hollyoaks scriptwriters Jayshree Patel and Rebecca Ramsden, and showcases three generations struggling with family dynamics. The new head of the family, Bazza, played by Billy Doherty, is surprised when his daughter and granddaughter turn up at his late mother’s house for the vigil. Daughter Katherine, played by Jenna Wrigley, is just as surprised to see her usually absent father there, but as they muddle through the day, with twelve hours together, they have no option but to open up, as family secrets are revealed. This surprisingly funny short has all the twists and turns of a soap opera, complete with an epic ‘dun dun dun’ moment at the end.
Departures
The mystery doesn’t end there, though, with Departures up next. Written by Trevor Suthers, starring Nicola Gardner and Liam Grunshaw, this thrilling short will keep you on your toes. Set in an airport departure lounge, Liam’s character spots a celestial figure sat at the gate… texting. As Liam runs into the audience, convinced he can contact the winged creature, known to struggle with his health, Nicola pleads with him to see sense. But when tragedy strikes, could this be his saving grace?
Higher Definition
The final short of the evening has you peering into the home of an old married couple. The pair, played by writer James Quinn and Wendy Patterson, star in this hilarious armchair comedy sketch which will have you pointing at your partner, saying “that’s us in 10 years!”. As the duo bicker about the quality of their new 4K TV, like many of us, their love shines through the quarrels. James’ facial expressions as he listens to his wife whine on absolutely make this short; he reminds me of Jim from the Royale Family, a mixture of fed-up and entertained only a married man could pull off. The on-stage couple try to come to an agreement on their new telly, with an entertaining back and forth that just about gets resolved in the end, but like all old married couples, they can’t live without each other, and the harmless bickering is just a way to pass the time before a spot of lunch.
If you haven’t had the chance to see a JB Shorts show before, you’re missing out. The gritty stories and heartwarming tales told by talented actors from across the North West blend together into a night of theatre that sticks with you, long after you’ve got the tram home.
Tickets for JB Shorts at 53Two
JB Shorts is at 53Two until the 4th of October, with matinees and evening shows on throughout its run.
You can get tickets by clicking here
– Advertisement –