'SCENES of a sexual nature, strong language and an 'Adults Only' stamp.
That’s the pre-show warnings over with.
Rita, Sue and Bob Too is one of those dramas you can’t pigeon-hole.
Is it a working class kitchen-sink creation ... a one-off off soap opera or a bleak sex comedy? Well, in fact, it has elements of all of those things. It certainly continues to attract a broad-minded audience of all ages.
Written by the late Andrea Dunbar, it is set in Bradford during Margaret Thatcher’s divisive '80s. It was originally two autobiographical plays later adapted for a ‘cult and controversial’ film in 1987.
Since then it has toured successfully with a stage version that differs from the movie with a very different ending.
We meet Rita (Kay Nicholson) and Sue (Jenna Sian-O'Hara) two fifteen-year old schoolgirls who babysit for self-employed builder Bob (Emmerdale's Michael Parr) and his wife Michelle (Jessica Ellis of Hollyoaks fame).
The trio of Rita, Sue and Bob go to the moors for some illicit sex as we witness from the very first scene in a car where the language is foul and the sex scenes are far from erotic.
Away from their love-less sex sessions, best friends Rita and Sue have their deluded dreams while Bob is coping with an unhappy marriage and a volatile market place.
Sue’s parents Mum (Crissy Rock) and Dad (Jamie Greer) provide some top-notch arguing.
The ever-entertaining Crissy battles with her drunken hubby with strings of. expletives that are relayed with an almost cartoon-esque verocity.
There was always layers of tragic comedy in the play and even pathos and Michael Parr finds the right mix of cockiness and self doubt.
Jessica Ellis’s Michelle provides some laugh-out-loud slapstick moments after having had one too many drinks in the pub.
The 80s greatest hits soundtrack is interweaved throughout from Frankie Goes to Hollywood to Hot Chocolate, The Human League and Rod Stewart.
Apart from my opening warnings there’s a few other things to take note of: there are flashing lights inbetween scenes and there needs to be an announcement that there is an interval.
Directed by Chantelle Nolan this is a well-paced, confident ensemble piece and one that offers plenty of light and shade, gritty comedy and pathos.
It is a strong, production with a versatile cast and it remains a popular attraction for those who like their entertainment raucous and non-preachy.
Verdict: Hard humour
Four stars
It is at the Epstein until Sunday (February 19). Tickets from 03447360151 .
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