Short Changed at the Theatre Royal Plymouth Review
Short Changed
Theatre Royal, Plymouth
30 June to 2 July 2016
Reviewed by Linda Curtain
I was very pleased to be given the opportunity to review a performance of ‘Short Changed’ by the Theatre Royal Plymouth People’s Company last evening. This production took place in the Drum Theatre, which is a small 175 seat theatre which is part of the main Theatre Royal in Plymouth. Being a small, more intimate theatre with a good flexibility of seating arrangements, it is an ideal venue for smaller companies and is frequently used for new plays by local and touring groups.
On arriving, the theatre was quite quiet as there was no production in the main theatre so it was great to relax with a coffee in the foyer coffee bar area and watch people arrive for the show.
Once I had collected my ticket – and a bit unsure what to expect after a warning about ‘audience participation’ – I made my way to the auditorium. I was immediately impressed by the upbeat atmosphere and the warm welcome from members of The People’s Company. On each seat there was a double-sided paddle which would later become an integral part of the show.
The People’s Company is a local group which is open to anyone over the age of eighteen with an interest in theatre work. As a member, you are able to attend various workshops and take part in the productions.
Set 20 years in the future, 2036, Short Changed is a Saturday night prime-time TV show. The show is basically set up to present the studio audience with various scenarios – inspired by real stories – on which they have to vote to resolve the issues. In order to take part in the show, the participants have to agree to abide by the audience decision. Within the theatre, the audience become the studio audience with the responsibility to vote and decide the participant’s fate. Each evening one audience member is randomly picked to be the ‘Decision Decider’ having to wear a crown and cape and make any final decisions – I bet the lady chosen last evening wished she had picked a different seat!!
The whole show was well structured and you really felt part of the TV audience. Warren (played by Dan Pippen) was great as the warm-up man who encouraged the audience to clap and cheer in the right places, while Becky Hilton – as Trixie the support artist – did an excellent job at setting the scene of what may be the news headlines in 2036.
The TV shows presenters – Ellie, the more mature and experienced presenter (played by Hannah Wood) and Bea, a younger, very enthusiastic presenter (played by Rose Webber) carried the show faultlessly. The diction was clear throughout and the subtle facial expressions (especially by the hilarious Bea) were brilliant.
There was a more serious side to the production with the future possibility of decisions over important topics being made randomly and how easy it would be for us to lose control over our life decisions.
Directed by Christopher Elmer-Gorry and produced by Amy Fisher, this was a well-produced and performed production. Each character played their role brilliantly and I found myself forgetting that this was an amateur company.
The evening was rounded off with a question and answer session which gave a good insight into the production and of the individuals within the company.
Well done Plymouth People’s Company – looking forward to your next production.
A well-deserved five star rating.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost £9.70 (booking fees may apply).
Short Changed is at the the Theatre Royal Plymouth until 2 July 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01752 267222.
Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR | 01752 267222
