Little Grimleys - BATS Review

STRICTLY SEX FACTOR ON ICE

Playwright, David Tristram is at it again, this time keeping it topical and providing us with Little Grimley’s take on TV talent shows, Strictly, Dancing on Ice and the Xfactor – entitled Strictly Sex Factor – On Ice. brilliant!

The well-known characters are back, although they remain the only members of the society, butare determined to bring their production to the stage – with mishaps, misunderstandings and many a mix up.

Gordie (Kate Sweeney) is hell bent on producing a box office smash following her assumed success of last tango, but she does not account for her cast’s inability to roller skate, dance or sing, never mind act. The result is to be expected but getting there does lead to laugh after laugh. Kate bring energy and enthusiasm to the role.

Stage Manager Bernard, (Neil G) is enticed back on stage, rather than behind the scenes, and has more on his plate as the heating to the hall has broken leaving an irreparable boiler and no money to cover the costs. Could it get any worse? Neil offers a focussed performance with a laid back comedy approach that came across in spades.

Sue Slack was a self-assured Margaret and gave the character the edge it needed and had the ability to feed Gordie the link to his many one liner quips. Margaret makes out she is not interested, but when push comes to shove, she is on the front row stealing the limelight. Sue was suitably snooty in ensuring we all know she was socially higher up the ladder than the rest!

Anita Grace as Joyce is superb. Great characterisation and physicality, especially when it came to using the roller skates! Facial expressions were aplenty, ensuring we knew just how the timid Joyce was feeling. Anita kept the pace throughout which, with so much going on, is vital and adds to the success of the piece.

The set worked, simple stage setting of a rehearsal room scattered with props etc. The use of the skates was well executed, as was Joyce’s entrances and exits as she managed to stay upright.

Kate Sweeney directs and has got the best out her cast, resulting in a good night’s entertainment.

SAVING THE PLANET

The Grimley team are back together again, but this time on a mission to save the planet – but, like their other endeavours, will they succeed without adding a bit of chaos and drama to the proceedings. Davis Tristram’s latest piece looks at climate change. At item 93 on the agenda, Gordon advises that a letter has been sent by the Council advising that the building needs to become more carbon neutral and work towards reducing their carbon footprint…..with a few days’ notice!

Everyone else is worried about how they will do this, all except Gordie who decides to make it theatrical and write a play about it!

Kate Sweeney as Gordie is fast and furious in ensuring they meet the target. Gordie introduces new LED lights that hardly light the space they are in, never mind the entire stage. Kate’s energy shone through as she ensured Gordie maintained his strength of character, despite having many failures in his endeavour to ‘keep the dramatic society going’.

Sue Slack as snooty Margaret gives us some great reaction to her being referred to as a ‘miserable old cow’! donning the cows head costume was hilarious and caused many laugh out loud moments.

Neil G is relaxed, witty and confident as Bernard who does as he is told, but only in his terms! Neil effortlessly kept the pace going throughout. His delivery from the actual lighting box was loud and clear and added a nice touch to proceedings.

Bringing strength, both in character and interpretation, Anita Grace is once again on top form. We were drawn into Joyce’s timidness, whilst at the same time was allowed to see her slightly feisty side and she stood her ground for what she thought was right for the planet.

Music choice of ‘What a Wonderful World’ was very fitting and worked well.

The visual effects of a stage and lighting was fantastic. This really added something to the visual excellence of this production and made us feel part of the action in terms of sitting in an auditorium and seeing the lighting sequences change. Great work.

Director, Kate Sweeney has ensured David Tristram’s comedies were delivered with accuracy, good timing, and believability. As a cast of 4, this was a real team effort.

My congratulations go to Kate for stepping in at very short notice to play the part of Gordie – I applaud your tenacity and determination – thank you

Thank you to Laura for your very kind hospitality.

Paul Cohen - BATS

19th September 2026

TBC