North West Theatre

The Sunshine Boys

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Neil Simon
07 Oct 10 to 23 Oct 10
Oldham Coliseum Theatre

Ex-Vaudeville stars Lewis and Clark are teaming up for a television comedy special, but they haven’t seen each other in over a decade. After 43 years working side-by-side in one of entertainment’s best loved comedy double acts, their cantankerous and stubborn personalities led to a bitter break up and many long-lasting grudges.

As the obstinate duo is reunited for one final performance chaos ensues as the pair refuse to be in the same room.

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Joyce Branagh's production has some interesting variations in pace... actually makes it more real and gives it more of an emotional edge... Richard Foxton's set also hits the right old-fashioned notes... Robert Pickavance is a very nervy Willie... His partnership with the chameleonic David Fielder... works very well... Fielder still has one or two moments that seem a little false... a lovely, natural performance from Dominic Gately... a nicely-rounded production stuffed with plenty of comedy but with a genuine emotional heart...
British Theatre Guide
Superbly acted, this Neil Simon classic is a delight... [Robert] Pickavance is a delight to watch... [David] Fielder and Pickavance’s comic timing is flawless and their interaction with [Dominic] Gately a real delight...
What's On Stage (Rating: 4/5)
[David] Fielder and [Robert] Pickavance create characters who are believably unpleasant and charming in equal measure... Rather less convincing though, is their advancing years... Foxton’s set is practical, verging on boring, and looks rather dated... pure Coliseum territory – classic comedy, well presented to an enthusiastic audience...
The Public Reviews (Rating: 3/5)
Robert Pickavance... gives us a memorable Willie Clark... ever-versatile David Fielder... the chemistry between the two vaudevillians is terrific - as is that between the two actors playing them. Catch their act while you can.
The Stage
...well-observed production... Robert Pickavance as Willie and David Fielder as Al... work splendidly together, with real energy and crisp comic timing... well supported by Dominic Gately... Marianne Benedict as the curvaceous nurse... and Maxine Burth as Willie’s proper nurse
City Life (Rating: 4/5)