REVIEW – JB Shorts 18

JB Shorts has become the must-see production in the Manchester theatre scene.

Twice a year – six top TV writers flex their creative muscles for this series of short plays.

The short play format has become a popular event in Manchester, and the arches of 53Two is now the perfect home for funny and inventive evening of theatre.

Opening JB Shorts 18 is Artistic Differences written by Lindsay Williams. Ex-bandmates, egos, creative differences and controlling management finds Jez and Ash battling with the music industry and each other in a tale which spikes similarities with the Gallagher brothers.

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Making Waves by Jan McVerry is a battle for life story set in the middle of the Irish Sea. Anti-abortion fighter Sorcha uses fear to terrorise two Irish women seeking abortion pills. This play contains several big dramatic moments as it hurtles towards its finale, leaving audience members hearts racing in anticipation.

Forever Eighties by Diane Whitley and Dave Simpson lightens the mood with a classic love story about a young couple who fall in love in the 80s. Mary and Alan are contemplating their future together when a misunderstanding brings their relationship to an abrupt end. Years later they are reunited in the 80s bar.  Older, wiser and keen to make amends. Older Mary delivers life changing news to Alan . Kerry Willison-Parry is superb as present day Mary as she provides a sincere, honest and charismatic performance. The story cleverly weaves between past and present with such an ease under the experienced direction of Sue Jenkins.

After the break the audience is thrown into a messy children’s playroom for Playmates written by Trevor Suthers. An incredibly detailed and well paced, playful exchange between Catherine  and Jeremy, played by Kimberley Hart-Simpson and Peter Ash. Both actors utilise every line of dialogue and every second of play to gain maximum laughs. The two characters imitate adults through their playtime and use various toys to assist in their imaginative world, which has the audience in stitches. Fast-paced, flawless performances and superb direction by Miranda Parker. This incredibly detailed story is a concoction of first-class writing and heart-wrenching realism. Hart-Simpson and Ash are incredibly well choreographed on stage and they give phenomenal performances which move the audience from laughter to sadness as reality sets in.

Just Sayin’ by Peter Kerry and James Quinn gives the audience a lesson in how ridiculous our lives have become as a result of social media.  Three friends debate over a beer in what appears to a normal bar, but turns out to be an online debate. No holds are barred as the cast become keyboard warriors and  the play forces the question about behaviour online. With the added influence of the character of Cat whose purpose is to create newsfeeds onto the timelines of the three friends. This daring piece lays bare the dark side of social media and leaves the audience thinking about their own behaviour the next time they log on.

Flotsam and Gypsum is well positioned as the grand finale which guaranteed that the audience will leave the theatre with  smile on their face. Peter Bowker’s first offering to JB Shorts cements a down-on-his-luck plasterer, a customer with dementia and a few quid tucked away in a biscuit tin. A delightfully, warming tale of Paul and Florence and what happens then forgetful Florence naively uncovers a secret which threatens Paul’s personal life. What results is an unlikely friendship and morals being pushed to the limit. William Fox and Val Tagger are tremendous in their performances, which fuelled by Bowkers funny one-liners allow sublime moments of stillness and friendship. Hopefully Peter Bowker will become one of the regular writers for JB Shorts.

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This is one of the most entertaining nights of theatrical entertainment in Manchester.

JB Shorts is a haven of rich storytelling, brilliant creatives and a damn good night out.

The production runs until Saturday 18th November at 53-two, 8 Albion Street, Manchester, M1 5NZ. Tickets can be purchased here.