Review: Waiting for Gateaux
GREAT title...but the proof in the pudding is in the eating.
From the writers of the comedy "Dirty Dusting" - Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood - comes this production promising plenty of belly laughs.
There are some here in the mix. All the main ingredients are there. A nicely-paced first half bodes well with solid scene setters but then - as we often see on the Great British Bake Off - planned creations do crumble.
This is a farce in the old tradition. It does what it says on the packet.
Director Pauline Daniels also stars as likable, world-weary Maureen who runs Mo-tivators (another great name) which we hear is a poor excuse for a health and fitness club in the middle of nowhere.
The clients like nothing better than having a bit of pizza and quiet.
The characters who sign up for self-inflicted dietary dilemma aren't exactly weight-watchers, more like people with weights on their own minds.
Donald, played with sparkling Alan Carr-styled enthusiasm by Andy Ford, never stops. This endearing actor will clearly lose a few more stone by the end of the run.
Donald is in love with 50-something cookie (hard-baked) widow Mo. She has no idea she is fancied.
Pauline's fine comic timing - as ever - means she is cooking from starter to dessert.
Then there's Jackie, played by Royal Court stalwart Lynn Francis.
And introducing Whitney courtesy of confident Emma Lisi. A Goth with attitude.
There's also one of Liverpool's favourite actresses Suzanne Collins as Sophie who is not what she seems.
Suzanne continues to show her ever-growing versatility playing characters across the theatrical spectrum.
Her voice this time is as strong as her on-stage personality.
She carries the twist very well.
I do wish people would stop saying "former Brookside star" about Ms Collins.
There's more to her than that long-gone soap.
I would love to see Suzanne in a role that she can really get her teeth into.
Here she plays a TV reality show researcher checking out a sure-fire hit featuring keep fit dysfunctionals.
The plot, like clotted cream, thickens.
A snowstorm locks the five in the run-down gym. And that is the part of the story where angst and saccharine sentimentality clash.
Along the way there are some good, bitter sweet one-liners.
It is an ensemble piece and there is potential here for future productions, Well done to the Epstein on its first in-house play.
Waiting for Gateaux is full of energy and the cast give their all and so, too, does the audience.
Globe rating: 3/5. Slices of fun.
Epstein Theatre until May 2.
Running time: Under two hours.
Tickets: 08448 884 411.
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