Published Date: 11 April 2008, Sunderland Echo
By Ed Waugh
REVIEW: Pub Quiz, Customs House, South Shields, until Saturday
This is yet another occasion that we can proudly reflect on the huge amount of theatrical talent we have in the region.
As part of The North East Theatre Consortium, the Custom House with New Writing North present a black comedy debut by Tyneside-based Carina Rodney.
Carina has gathered together a group of largely unpleasant types for a weekly pub quiz, run by the bitter Geoff (Joe Caffrey), a wannabe comedian who missed his comedic vocation and ended up as a barman.
Like Caffrey, jack-the-lad Pete (Mickey Cochrane), insecure academic Lewis (James Cunningham), lonely school teachers Kathleen (Vicky Elliott) and Bethany (Helen Embleton), a foreigner called Asram (Joe Garton) and Jon (Chris Price) a racist, are all excellent in their roles, which at times are far from politically correct.
Psyche Stott’s bright direction allows the piece to move constantly while Mila Sanders’ stunning set makes us, the audience, feel we are actually at the pub quiz.
The first half felt a bit over long (it took 25 minutes to introduce the characters) but Rodney’s wit coupled to excellent delivery from the actors provided many laugh-out -loud moments.
The second half gathered more pace and Joe Caffrey’s performance was breathtaking.
The play should have ended with his despondent and emotional speech about wanting to be part of a team but a short scene afterwards felt tagged on and detracted slightly from what was an otherwise entertaining evening.
This runs until Saturday and it’s well worth giving the telly a miss to see such high quality live theatre.
