A Fistful Of Mondays At The Corn Exchange, Witney Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE PURCHASED BY THE REVIEWER HERSELF FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn
Yee-ha Cowboys! The Witney Corn Exchange was the perfect venue for a spectacular night full of Life-Love and Line Dancing with Balancing Act’s romantic comedy production, ‘A Fistful of Mondays’.
Since 2001, Balancing Act have brought together highly talented performers to present the plays and musicals of brilliant local writer/director Joe Graham. With the aim of delivering a theatrical experience for audiences ‘way beyond their expectations’, this is a production which surpasses that and more!
Balancing Act first produced A Fistful of Mondays in 2009 at the OFS Studio Oxford and was such a success that it led to a UK Tour in 2011, starring former Eastenders star, Shaun Williamson, Faye Tozer (Steps), Lyn Paul (The New Seekers) and Ian H Watkins (Steps).
The show tells of the difficulties of a diverse group of line dancers as well as the up and down romance of characters Tom and Annie and is set in a local social club which is struggling to compete with a nearby restaurant pub chain, The Muchin Mule.
James Card is likeable and convincing as the conflicted Tom who spends his evenings singing karaoke to empty audiences at the social club. Steve Hay plays bar manager Barry with superb acting and comic timing as he tries to help Tom to get back on the social scene. When a line dancing group start using the social club to rehearse on Monday nights, it seems as if Tom’s humdrum life may be over when he meets dance teacher Annie – but the path of romance never runs smooth!
The show is happily filled to the brim with dance routines full of toe-scuffing, heel-tapping and thigh-slapping which weave deftly around the unfolding story. The very talented cast really give it their all and are full of energy and commitment, having the audience clapping and toe tapping from start to finish.
Each character is portrayed with emotional depth beyond the hilarious quick quips and comedy. The performance is full of warmth, fun and inclusivity. Despite being a show determined not to be taken too seriously, the underlying themes of friendship, love and acceptance are thought provoking and sensitively handled.
Sparkling bright, the production never holds back and is a constant full-on treat for the eyes as well as the ears. Huge congratulations to the cast and crew!
With a must-see world premiere sequel planned ‘For a Few Mondays More’ which will also be on stage at the Witney Corn Exchange Theatre on the 17th – 21st June, 2025, purchasing a ticket will guarantee to make your day!!
Rating: 5/5
‘A Fistful of Mondays’ was showing at the Witney Corn Exchange
‘For a Few Mondays More’ will be showing at the Witney Corn Exchange from Tues 17th – Sat 21st June 2025, for more information visit https://www.balancingact.org.uk/