Holly Street, Long Face Theatre Company and New Celts Productions Review
Written by Kerry McLaughlin for Theatre & Tonic
A real hodgepodge of characters, Holly Street immerses its audience in the writing room for the anniversary episode of the popular soap opera. The writing of the play leans into the absurdity we now expect from these sorts of programmes, using an enchanted whiteboard to divulge into bizarre but hilarious consequences for all involved. For a subtle (by fringe means) storyline, Holly Street is able to draw in its audience from the beginning, keeping them hooked with every twist being more wacky than the last.
Jed Bury as petrified try-hard Callum and Jonah Sorsbie, who personifies Chris Bean (The Play That Goes Wrong) energy as Arthur, are standouts within the cast; however, together all five members build and sustain impeccable comedic timing throughout the play.
Holly Street does something that a lot of fringe shows are unable to achieve: creating a piece that appeals to a vast generational span. For older folk, the love and enjoyment of soap operas which is slowly fading away with each age jump. And young people for the dry wit and joyous madness that comes with fringe comedies. It really is a show for the ages.
Holly Street plays at theSpace on the Mile on select dates until the 23 August
★ ★ ★ ★ .5
