The Sunshine Boys

Rockingham Theatre Company, perhaps best known for upbeat British comedy, step outside their usual fare for their latest offering, Neil Simon’s quintessentially American The Sunshine Boys.

Debut director Sue Hasey has assembled an excellent cast and has crafted a production that tells this story well. Assistant director Rob Walker has created a brilliant set, that beautifully recreates a two room apartment in an old New York hotel during the 1980s. The attention to detail and excellent use of wear and grime on this set is second to none. Decoration is superb, with appropriate props by Miranda Santalucia. It is nicely lit by Jackie Hiscox, and well costumed by Travis Adams and the cast.

Noel O’Neil leads the cast as "cantankerous old cuss”, former vaudevillian Willie Clark, who for 43 years had a performance partnership with Al Lewis. This relationship has broken down completely, but they are offered a chance to reunite. Noel brings a terrific New York gunfire delivery to the role, giving us a complex and complete character and showing some great comic timing.

Rex Grey is great as Al Lewis, matching Noel O’Neil with fire and timing, and creating a wonderful conflicting partnership and believable long-term relationship. 

Paul Cook is strong as Willy’s nephew Ben Silverman, long suffering and patient. Kirsty Rosenberg is convincing in her late-in-the-show appearance as the Registered Nurse. Meagan Harper and Travis Adams provide good support in small roles, while Peter Shaw nicely pulls double duty as the CBS Producer while also managing the show’s sound. Director Sue Hasey makes a lovely cameo as busty, blonde actress Ms MacKintosh.

A well produced show that had its audience completely involved, The Sunshine Boys is a comedy with depth that thoroughly entertained.

Kimberley Shaw