Reviewed by Tammy & Anthony Wildblood
We were asked if we were interested in going to see the production of Rita, Sue & Bob Too at the Derby Theatre, which we gladly accepted as my wife remembered it when this was a film back in the 80’s so she was intrigued to see what the stage production would be like. Me on the other hand had never seen it or even heard of it. My wife told me a little bit about what the film was about and this kind of put me off in going to see it because I was a little apprehensive about the story line, especially with all the bad headlines in the world these days.
We arrived in Derby City Centre and instantly you have a number of choices of parking around the Intu Shopping centre so we parked in the Basement Car Park which is the closet to the theatre and very well lit, once you are parked, you literally walk up the stairs into the centre turn left and the theatre is there. We were pleasantly surprised at the price of the parking when we arrived as after 5pm, the centre has a small parking fee of £2 from 5pm to 6am which is great for evening theatre, we also found out that in the theatre upstairs where they sell the refreshments, you are able to pay your £2 to them and go straight to your car after the show making exiting so much easier and avoiding any queues at the pay machine.
Upon arrival at the theatre we walked in and made our way the Box Office which was advertised really well so it was easy to obtain our tickets, the staff member on duty was friendly and welcomed us in a warm and friendly manner which made the experience to the theatre good as its sets the tone for the rest of the night.
We made our way upstairs to the bar area where we purchased two drinks which for a theatre wasn’t too expensive and was also welcomed by pleasant bar staff.
What I found really good at the theatre was 15 minutes before the start of the show you had an announcement to inform you that the show will begin so this gives you plenty of time to go to the rest room or get another drink to take in with you. The toilets were clean, tidy and smelt pleasant. The theatre itself is in a modern style with the stage to the front and tiered seating in a semi-circle. The seats are comfy so once you’re settled you can just sit back, relax and take in the stage setting before the performance starts.
The stage setting was set like a block of flats with the windows lit up and there were also 4 old style seats which were made to look like a car setting. I was engaged at the stage setting wondering what was going to happen and how they were going to use these seats throughout the performance, they did this really well and you were intrigued every time the actors moved the seats as to what would happen next and they used music, dancing and singing really well to re-set the scenes.
James Atherton, who played the part of Bob played this part really well, took the character and made it his own. He made the audience laugh with his acting, he was comical and when looking at the audience he made sure he looked at them and made sure he took them in with the part he was playing. He projected his voice so he could be heard which sometimes in theatre can be tricky to do but I had no problems in hearing the words he was saying, my only criticism of his performance is that one part of the play he had his back to the audience so I couldn’t hear him but apart from that, his performance was superb. His performance I would give 9/10 only because of the turning of back at one point.
Taj Atwal, who played Rita, I thought she took on the part of a young child really well, she was childish in the way she played her, and you could tell she had researched her character well. She engaged well with the audience and looked at us which kept you engaged. Her lines were funny which made you laugh. The only problem with the performance was when she was in the sexual scene with Bob, you couldn’t hear her lines. On the other hand, you didn’t really need to as it was so comical. I would give her performance an 8/10 just for the fact of her voice not being as loud sometimes and she seemed fast with her speech sometimes.
Gemma Dobson, who played Sue, when I read the programme notes that stated this was her professional debut in theatre I was shocked because you would of never known that all, she owned the staged. She brought the character to life and every time she spoke it just made you laughed, she looked like she was having fun on stage and this is what you want from an actress, it just made you wonder what would happen next with her character. She played the part of a under 16 really well as she projected her voice loud so you had no problems in hearing what she was saying, she also made good eye contact with the audience. She seemed very confident in the part she was playing. I would give her performance a 10/10 she just made the play her own.
Samantha Robinson, who played Michelle, this character didn’t seem to have a big part in the play but the parts she played in, she played them well. She owned the stage and had attitude and showed confidence which is what her part was all about. You felt her pain at times as she knew what was going on as she played the part so well. You engaged with this character throughout the play. Performance 10/10 as she played the part well.
David Walker, who played the Dad, now I have to say this character was really funny every time he spoke, moved and said his lines you just burst into laughter. He played the part of the dad really well, the only downside of this character is that he’s not in the play that much but blimey when he is you know he’s on the stage, words projected out loud and clear, he always engaged with the audience but just wanted more of him in the play. I would give his performance 11/10 because I just found him to own the stage; made the play funnier than it already was, it was just faultless acting.
Sally Bankes, who played Mum, played the part of the mum well and you could tell that she meant everything she was saying in her lines. When she was on stage you could tell she was having fun and enjoyed being on stage. She played the part well you felt her presence on stage. Performance, I would give 10/10 just amazing acting.
When you think about the nature of this film and stage performance of it, I wouldn’t have known that it was about a man having sexual intercourse with underage girls because the light-hearted nature and comedy they brought to it made it work. In this day and age, if they emphasised the part of the man and the young girls having underage sex more then I don’t think it would have gone down very well with the community. The only thing I would say is that we think it should be 18+ due to the fact that if, like us, we have a 16-year-old daughter and if I was to take her with us then she may think it is acceptable for this to happen due to it being a theatre production and due to the comical content. I guess this could also have the opposite effect and teach them that it isn’t acceptable for this to happen. The producer and writer of the play has made this work and brought more of a comedy aspect to the play.
I would definitely recommend seeing this play as I have to say it’s nothing like I expected or thought it would be about.
We couldn’t fault the play at all.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £15.50 to £26.50 (booking fees may apply).
Rita, Sue & Bob Too is at the Derby Theatre from 21-25 November 2017, for more information or book tickets visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01332 593939.
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter’s Quarter, Derby, DE1 2NF | 01332 593939
