REVIEW: The Syndicate at New Theatre
A new stage adaptation of the hit BBC TV drama The Syndicate has arrived in Cardiff, and we were invited to last night's (Tuesday 23 July) opening performance at the New Theatre.
It follows the story from the first TV series (in 2012), when five Leeds supermarket employees win millions on a lottery rollover - and their lives are changed forever.
It's often played for laughs, but it also deals with serious issues which are never far away, as the central characters discover the reality of the cliche, money can't buy you happiness.
TV soap opera fans will recognise many of the cast, notably Gaynor Faye (also making a very accomplished debut as director), Emmerdale’s Samantha Giles and Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent and Oliver Anthony, along with Benedict Shaw, Rosa Coduri-Fulford, William Ilkley, Jerome Ngonadi, Jade Golding, and Connor James-Ryan.
The actors do well to bring the characters to life in a two-hour play, condensed from five hours of TV, and the first act does make us keen to find out what will happen to each of the five: the single mum, the middle-aged dog lady, the kindly old manager with one eye on retirement, and two brothers - one struggling to pay his debts and hold on to his family and the other a young hot-head, willing to break the law to get what he wants.
The genius set design by Bretta Gerecke (who also designed the costumes - those in the second half really are quite spectacular!) is complemented by lighting design (Jason Taylor) and sound (Max Pappenheim) to create convincing locations from supermarket to hospital to millionaire's mansion.
It's a thought-provoking tale with laughs and tears along the way.
This was the final stage adaptation by BAFTA-winning Kay Mellor, following on from previous successful stage adaptations of her TV hits Band of Gold and Fat Friends.
It seems fitting that it should be directed by her daughter Gaynor, who also starred in the fourth and final series of The Syndicate's TV run.
The Syndicate plays at the New Theatre until Saturday (27 July). Tickets are available from the box office on 0343 310 0041 or by clicking here.
Review by Andy Weltch
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