Based on her hit BBC TV series that entertained millions of viewers over four series, The Syndicate is a new comedy drama by the legendary Kay Mellor.
Borrowing from series one of the TV equivalent, the show follows five supermarket employees whose lottery syndicate numbers come in just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat. They take home a share of the £24 million jackpot but the question is whether it'll make their dreams come true...or their nightmares a reality?
The Syndicate bills itself as a comedy drama and, whilst there are definitely some brilliant, laugh-out-loud lines it's fair to say that it was very different to what I was expecting. Based very much more in the 'drama' camp than the 'comedy' camp, it did feel like there was more opportunity to play certain scenes for laughs.
The Syndicate does, however, bring some brilliant acting talent to the second city. Emmerdale’s Samantha Giles plays Denise, the middle-aged shop worker we all know and love. Bringing a slice of northern humour to the part and not taking herself too seriously, Giles' take on the character is perfect and resonates so vividly with the audience,
Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent is cast as Amy, the entitled, slightly ditzy girlfriend of Stuart who is very much still with him because he's a millionaire! Vincent, for me was one of the stand-out performers of the evening. When you ask someone to play a role like Amy, you run the risk of it being over-played or becoming a caricature very quickly. Vincent, however, stayed on the right side of subtlety and, although Amy is intensely unlikeable, Vincent's performance was the complete opposite.
Special mentions as well should go to William Ilkley who plays Bob and has managed to bring to life the boss (and the grandad!) that everyone wants to have in their lives. Thoughtful, patriarchal and intensely likeable, Ilkely has created something very special.
The Syndicate plays at The Alexandra until Saturday 29th June. For more information, or to get your tickets, head to atgtickets.com/birmingham.
