Looking for an antidote for those winter blues? This show definitely delivers. When the neurotic Colin receives a parcel of poo packaged in an upscale patisserie box things begin to spiral hilariously out of control. His sympathetic sister and brash brother-in-law may try to comfort him and to put things in perspective, but Colin becomes haunted by the questions of who might be the perpetrator of this anonymous aggression and what might be its meaning. Nicholas Burns is brilliantly balmy as the beleaguered victim of this prank, and Laura Haddock and Alex Price are an absolute delight as his support group whose own issues end up being put on the back burner in the face of Colin's catastrophe. The timing of all three actors is impeccable, and they deliver a masterclass in comedy in this clever confection from playwright, Dave Florez. The jokes and puns come thick and fast, but there is also a sense of genuine caring evinced as the trio try to deal with what becomes Colin's excremental existential crisis. And behind all the laughter Florez makes some salient points about the need to come to terms with one's past, to forgive oneself and to move forward. The gift may be intended as a menace, but it becomes a provocation that encourages Colin to crawl out of his rut of self-obsession. Similarly, this piece, brimming over with good humour, is bound to get anyone back in the game. Indeed, we were still chuckling as we left the theatre. The Gift keeps on giving!
Rated: ★★★★★
Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Rich Southgate
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