Pull The Pin

Pull The Pin, presented by Just Friends Theatre Company and the Blue Room, is a warm feel-good play about friendship and ten pin bowling. Nicely structured and acted with warmth and conviction, this is a show that leaves its audience smiling.

Set on the “best lane” at the local bowling alley, the show is played with a traverse layout, with audience sitting either side of the lane - beautifully created in this small space by designer William Gammel. There is lovely sense of detail in this set - and in the costumes. Lighting by Spencer Herd is thoughtful and effective, while David Stewart's sound design, combined with composition by Jacob Sgouros, add notes of realism and fun.

This story is charmingly narrated by a bowling pin - played with good grace in a gorgeously silly costume by Isaac Diamond, who sings and comments on the action as sort of a Greek Chorus of one, creating a strong rapport with the audience.

Our heroines, the “Old Hags” social bowling team are beautifully played - and have a lovely sense of shared history - with Tegan Mulvaney giving lovely depth to the 'keen to succeed' Ange, Elisa Williams nicely nuanced as best player Donna, travelling a difficult journey, and Caitlin Beresford-Ord delightful as the motherly Jules - anxious to get her first strike.

The final character, Lake, is probably the most annoying antagonist you will see on stage this year - and Hannah Davidson's portrayal is simply perfection - a 19-year-old 'mean girl' with drive and misplaced passion. Hannah Davidson also appears in another surprise cameo that is beautifully performed.

The show has themes of generational challenge, the importance of hobbies and friendship and is a great celebration of ten pin bowling, but Pull the Pin is mostly just a great little production that is a joy to watch.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Sophie Minissale.