Sometimes it happens; one thing leads to another, and you find yourself kissing your ex-partner from 20 years ago 288 times a week – don’t lie, we’ve all been there. But what happens when this starts to become a bit more than just an act? Well the Midland Players’ production of Stage Kiss has just the answer to this age-old question.
Stage Kiss follows two performers who find themselves in a local production together, featuring a lot of onstage passion. The problem? The two are former lovers. As rehearsals continue, the two face old demons and find their love rekindling on stage. Will these two manage to reignite their old romance, or is the final curtain looming for their fraught relationship?
I liked this show. Whilst there were times when I wasn’t completely sure what was happening, the performances of this cast meant it didn’t matter to me one bit! I was laughing the whole way through this play, whether due to the crazy storyline, amazing physical acting, the comedic elements, or even the ‘American’ accents (which somehow spanned the entirety of the North Western hemisphere)! The team of actors and production staff that have brought this crazy story of love, drama and reality to the Drama Studio have made a unique and thoroughly enjoyable production in almost all aspects.
There are a range of really strong individual performances in this show. We have to start with Sue Jamison-Powell as She/Ada/Sex Worker. Her strength & passion for this role is clear throughout the show, she owns the stage and really commands the attention of the audience. As the main character, it’s important that she is able to take control of everything that happens on stage and her ability to do this is simply undeniable. Another notable performance goes to Elliot Dale-Hughes as Kevin/Butler/Doctor/Pimp. The physical comedy that Elliot (among others) brings to the show is perfect. The over emphasis on his body language and expressive dialogue is so fun to watch and keeps you excited to see when he’ll be back next. I also want to give a brief but deserving mention to Mel McCart as Harrison/Jack. His American accent is by far the worst of all the unusual accents in the production, but this works further to his advantage, really increasing the memorability and effectiveness of his character. The accent may have been rough but oh boy was I laughing because of it!
Stage Kiss is a fun, easy watch if you’re looking for something a bit more casual than some of the other theatre offerings out there right now. The subject matter may be one of the strangest to be seen, but the company and the comedy make this production a good watch the whole way through and I can guarantee you’ll be leaving with a smile.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Stage Kiss is playing at the Sheffield University Drama Studio until Saturday September 23rd. Tickets are available at https://www.midlandplayers.co.uk/next-show/tickets
