Review by Ros Hollands of OTTC

4:47pm Thursday 6th March 2008

OTTC BREAKFAST WITH JONNY WILKINSON.

ARTS CENTRE Old Town Theatre companies latest offering, at the Arts Centre, comes hot on the heals of their success at the Harold Jolliffe, One Act Play Festival.

How do they do it? I just don't know.

Every play I have ever reviewed from this company has such authenticity and believability; right down to the music chosen for the production I have to say that this wasn't my all time favourite from thIS company. That though, is just personal choice. However, it was well cast and extremely well played by them all.

Chris England's play takes place on a defining day of sporting triumph of which Wilko was such an integral part.

Greyhawks rugby club is under threat from local land developers, and Dave, played by Steve Cowdry is having his position as chairman challenged by an extremely loud Australian, played expertly by Mark Soffe. His Australian accent never wavered.

The faithful few have gathered on the morning before the election to watch England in the Rugby World Cup Final and tensions were running high for more reasons than one.

Stuart Quinn's role as Jake, the first team prodigy who left the room every time Jonny Wilkinson took a kick, was a triumph in rehearsed moves and timing. The company enlisted the help of Swindon RFC and it certainly paid off.

Ashley Heath was the super sluth newspaper reporter. I just loved his portrayal of this character, and for me he almost stole this one with his laid back approach to the part. Steve Johnson epitomised the male chauvinist attitude to perfection and Jill Misson was superb as the ladies rugby captain. Emma Cowdry was perfect as the sexy Lena.

Director Fenella Harrop has kept up the quality of work by this company with good direction.

As always lighting, costume and set were well thought out and in keeping with the style of the play. This might not have been my cup of tea, but it was another winner anyway.

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