UK Theatre Network

Photo Finish

The Customs House, South Shields

Maintaining the backdrop of a horse-racing theme, the world premiere of ‘Photo Finish’ follows hot on the heels of ‘Good to Firm’ and ‘Raising The Stakes’ (see reviews by Linda Barker and Ian Cain, respectively). The third and final part of the Waugh & Wood trilogy focusing on the flawed Fletcher family is surely the best and funniest yet.

Once again we catch up with Bob and Shirley Fletcher and are privy to their marital trouble and strife. Ray Spencer reprises his role as the good-for-nothing gambler with the heart of gold but, due to the indisposition of Angela Szalay, the role of Shirley is being performed by Jane Holman.

As usual, Spencer is spot-on with his comic-timing and he never misses the opportunity to shine with his wonderful deliverance of Wood & Waugh’s witty one-liners. However, the show was well and truly stolen by Jane Holman’s star-turn as Shirley. Her deadpan delivery of the most withering put-downs was a joy to behold. And, without any disrespect to Angela Szalay, Holman gave the impression that the role had been created with her in mind.

Jill Dellow returns to the role of Suzie, Bob and Shirley’s irritatingly dipsy and ditzy daughter, whilst former star of ‘The Bill’ and ‘EastEnders’ Russell Floyd makes his debut as Suzie’s sugar-daddy, BJ (yes, you’re right – the double-entendres abound!).

I don’t quite know if it were due to the introduction of a new leading lady, the input of a new director (Jack Milner takes over from Mark Wingett, who directed the first two instalments), a more finely-honed script from Wood and Waugh – or the combination of all those factors, but somehow this production had enough crackle and sparkle to put Bonfire Night in the shade.

The energy and enthusiasm that emanated from the stage was palpable and the piece went with a great pace. If I were to be picky and highlight one small fault it would have to be with the lighting. I am not sure if the problem lay with the design or operation, but there were some strange effects during which certain scenes were fully lit and then darkened and lit again without any obvious reason.

Nevertheless, ‘Photo Finish’ is a riotous comedy that went down a storm with the audience on opening night.

Steve Burbridge.

Runs until Saturday 6^th November 2010.