★★★★★
The curtains pulled back on opening night of ‘Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean‘ to reveal a pocket of Texas in our very own Drama Studio.
After the sudden (and devastating) cancellation of ‘The Witch’ over summer, the production team had their work cut out to decide on a new show ready for auditions at the end of freshers week… but they did not disappoint.
Being an ambitious show on its own – let alone the small time frame of just five weeks to audition, rehearse, and deliver – ‘Jimmy Dean‘ centres around a 20 year reunion of the Disciples of James Dean. Alternating between 1955 and 1975, we see how characters have drastically changed in some cases, but stayed stuck in others (mentally and physically) – all held together by an undying love for James Dean. And Co-Director’s Carly McCollin and Luke Hookham have more than done it justice. There is so much care in every aspect of this show, from the customised jackets right down to script rewrites and added jokes that had the audience chuckling throughout.
Of course, that kind of humour would not land without amazing delivery. Each actor was phenomenal, handling the balance of comedy with the more mature themes flawlessly. Lilia Harnett demonstrated 1975 Mona’s struggles so well, her facial expressions constantly engaging as she clearly battled with her anxieties alongside her endless devotion to the one and only James Dean. A highlight was when the timelines were brought together on stage, with the 1975 Mona being shown with Bethany Collins’ 1955 Mona and the dedication to the characters’ mannerisms between the actors was made obvious.
This was also demonstrated with the larger-than-life Sissy performed by Holly Pearce – and her younger counterpart by Wrenna Clarke. Pearce’s delivery was consistently hilarious, capturing the raunchy nature of Sissy but also the more caring and vulnerable side when it came down to it. Molly Mason was also a highlight for me, whose entrance and stage presence as Joanna was mesmerising.
Backed up by the harsh but ‘happy’ Stella and quiet, kind Edna who you could not help but feel for (played by Max Preston and Tilly Harradine respectively), the disciples put on a fantastic show. Dylan Smith as Joe created an air of mystery in his flashbacks for Mona; and last but certainly not least, Imogen Eyre plays the God-fearing, harsh yet fair owner Juanita, whose viewpoints get challenged as the themes of identity get explored.
As if all of that was not impressive enough, the whole show is done in Texan accents. For a whole cast to seamlessly carry such a convincing American accent throughout, through scenes of hysterical laughter, singing, fighting and shouting adds a layer of immersion that adds so much to the whole show and should not go overlooked.
A big shout out is owed to the set, designed by Hannah Forster and assisted by Charlotte Evans and George Wan. With a bar and jukebox being constructed, along with intricate decorations and even a bell attached to the door – it is hard to believe you’re not really sitting in a five-and-dime! Other tech aspects also shone, with lighting being used to creatively separate the time lines and demonstrate flashbacks to 20 years earlier, and costumes nailing that classic 1950s look.
With organisation, preparation, rehearsals and more, to bring all of this together within the first few weeks of the year is an absolutely remarkable feat. If you haven’t already seen it, the play is a must watch for all theatre enthusiasts and those in search of a fun evening out.
Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean runs until Friday 30th October in the Drama Studio.
Image Credits: SUTCO, @jimmydean_sutco Instagram
