New Vic Theatre – ‘Perfect Pitch’ by John Godber – Review Hitmix Radio

New Vic Theatre – ‘Perfect Pitch’

Written and Directed by by John Godber

Photographs courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Review by Hitmix Radio

‘Perfect Pitch’, written by John Godber has set up camp at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme.  It tells the story of four characters – two couples – retired teacher Matt and his partner Rose who is a doctor and a bit of a health freak, and the ignorant but oblivious Grant and Steph who are seasoned campers, drawn to the site with their pop-up tent by a tribute band festival taking place nearby.

Matt and Rose’s ‘Perfect Pitch’ is marred by the arrival of Grant and Steph who aren’t really their type – especially as they were hoping for peace and quiet.  As the play progresses, their differences seem to be less obvious.

It is a great performance by all four characters – expertly cast – the lovely Annie Kirkman, playing Rose was instantly recognisable from ‘Ladies Day’ and ‘Ladies Down Under’ and Matt, played by Frazer Hammill from ‘Bouncers’.  Laura Jennifer Banks aced her first professional role as Steph, and Tom Gallagher was a superb Grant, strutting round like he owned the place, full of the self-confidence of youth.

Matt and Rose have borrowed Matt’s fathers caravan to see if they like it before buying one of their own.  An attractive caravan park stage set, where we don’t actually see the caravan, more the space behind it, and much of the action takes place off-stage with just references and sound effects – especially from the pop-up tent! But it is all perfectly imaginable.

The comedy really centres around the differences between the two couples – Matt and Rose, older more successful and affluent, and the younger couple Grant and Steph who are very confident in their own skin and also their camping and caravanning abilities.  Apart from a mention that ‘they’ve got some nice stuff’ the main envy and yearning eventually projects from the older couple.  The comedy comes in the form of physical comedy, great sound effects, perfect timing and delivery, hilarious singing, and some killer one-liners.  The addition of great music throughout really added to the enjoyment.

As with most great comedy’s there are many other emotions intertwined with the humour – repression, doubt, boredom, envy, regret, insults – all working together with the laughs to make this camping trip eventful and entertaining, as true personalities and feelings come to the fore and the tables turn.

‘Perfect Pitch’ is a very amusing play with lots of laugh out loud moments and great on-stage presence from all the cast, and between them, they delivered a strong script flawlessly, to an appreciative audience.  The show is only on until Saturday, so you need to be quick, but it is a fun, feel-good way to spend a few hours!

Tickets and more information from newvictheatre.org.uk