‘Nothing But The Roof’ is the first of four "Powerhouse Plays" at the stunning Hope Mill Theatre to be run over the next few evenings. All
four shows are emerging plays at different stages of development which are either
by northern writers or have a strong northern theme.
This play was the first play written and
directed by Adam Colclough which premiered at Poynton Players Theatre in
Stockport during March 2017 for a three-night run, followed by a one-off
performance in Sutton, Macclesfield in October 2017.
‘Nothing But The Roof’ is a comedy drama about three
friends in 2016 starring JP Smith, David Hyde and Peter Thompson who find themselves
in the same place at the same time; that place being the rooftop of a block of
flats.
The scenery was metal scaffolding in a square shape similar
to that of a boxing ring and roof top vents designed originally by Eric
Sanderson but erected by Stockport Scaffolding.
In the opening scene we saw the character Warren played by
JP Smith sat deep in thought as he read a letter perched on the edge of the
rooftop, quickly he was joined by two members of his old ‘Concrete Crew’ school
pals Step played by David Hyde and Millsy played by Peter Thompson dressed in
‘Flintstone' costumes ready to protest with their Fathers' For Justice banner
which was designed by their dyslexic pal and actually read ‘Feathers Fur
Joustice’.
The play sensitively deals with issues of grief following
Warren’s partner being cruelly taken away from him following an accident a year
ago to the day. Warren’s character is that of a gentle and caring man who finds
himself lost and alone with no direction in life being bereaved, unemployed and
in debt. Step the sex-craved party animal nearing 40 years of age after
a string of disastrous relationships decides he wants to focus on becoming a
father to his child Dillon from ex-wife Mandy. Step brings some light-hearted
comedy with his love of ‘partying, piss-ups and pussy’, and his views on politics; the ‘Pinocchio Parliament’ and immigration have you laughing out loud. Millsy the financially secure and university graduate of
the trio is haunted by his childhood physical and mental abuse shows the deep impact
of trauma in adulthood which affects life and future decisions regarding
marriage, children and focus.
The play is extremely wordy and complex spanning over a 1
hour and 50 minute performance, but it is captivating with its twists and turns
as each character evolves throughout the evening, with friendship at the core.
The story is heart-warming and thought provoking as the trio reflect on their
lives to present date including the philosophy of their existence and how fate
brought them together on the roof top that evening, each choosing their future
path in life as either an ‘Anthem’, ‘Legend’, ‘Ghost’ or ‘Thief’.
This play has lots of potential containing a deep and
philosophical message as well as some fantastic comedy and well executed
one-liners. All three characters did exceptionally well as the script was not
only lengthy but extremely complicated at times.
Reviewer - Katie Leicester
on - 8/10/18
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