Two’s Company indeed – and The Pepperpots ably demonstrated this with their evening of short plays, each featuring just two characters. Using excellent material written by well-known author David Tristram (whose full length comedy ‘Forget Me Knot’ and short play ‘Brenton vs Benton’ have both been seen in the past few years on Island stages) along with lesser known by very talented writers Jean McConnell and Hilary Mackeldon, The Pepperpots produced 5 excellent duets. Each one a stand alone performance, yet each had enough material for a full play in its own right. 

All the characters were very believable and sensitively portrayed by every one of the actors onstage through the evening. The plays address relationships and situations that carry potential seeds of tragedy, whether it’s a couple looking for lasting love through internet dating – or ballroom dancing; a daughter coming to the realisation of how her controlling mother has affected her life; finding connections with a stranger or trying to bring together opposing views in the workplace. Yet in each one there’s also plenty of humour.

‘Peas’ featured real life husband and wife team Kevin and Lorna Wilson, convincingly portraying a couple meeting for a first date after connecting online – only to find they have nothing in common! Chris Turvey and Julie Stonestreet’s combined experience and acting skills enabled them to perfectly capture the challenging mother-daughter dynamic in ‘Early Blight’, while Chrissie Blow and Denise Farrow portray the competitiveness yet shared humour of two ‘Dancers’. Sue Clarke and Chris Turvey are fabulous compatriots as they play ladies ‘of a certain age’ in ‘Ladies at the Seaside’ who meet up on a coach trip…and secrets begin to spill out. Finally, ‘Carrot’ explored working relationships in the 1970s as Nick Turvey’s union official takes on the new boss (Kevin Wilson): again, both men’s acting experience makes for a convincing standoff.

In each case, the characters face truths about themselves and life for the first time, and we were invited to empathise with their situation through the skills and experience of the actors onstage, each of whom engaged the audience wonderfully. It was such a team production that it would be unfair (and very difficult) to single out one performance – the actors blended together so well, supported by the backstage team: in particular, the costumes and simple sets showcased the characters who – rightly – were the focus of these conversational pieces. Set management in this small venue was also impressive!

The storylines were funny, sad, poignant and faultlessly delivered; while the 5 short scenes meant the whole production kept up its momentum. Director Steve Watts (wearing a very striking jacket) linked each duet in rhyme, and he can be very proud not only of his performance but of the evening of theatre he has created. Our reviewer thoroughly enjoyed every moment – as did the whole audience, judging by the applause at the end – and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing what The Pepperpots bring to the stage next – whatever it is, we want to be there!