Ten Quid

Ten Quid, a locally written World Premiere, is a story of the call to home of the migrant. Mark, who immigrated to Australia as a child as a ‘ten pound pom’, returns to Manchester to scatter his brother’s ashes at Maine Road Stadium, and meets Cody, a Scottish single mother, to whom he tells his story.

Very much focused on the interaction between Mark and Cody, director Jane Sherwood has chosen her cast well, especially with Peter Neaves (Mark) and Lara Brunini (Cody), who create tangible and likeable characters and a believable relationship. Peter Neaves delivers one of his best performances to date as the awkward but genuine former immigrant, with relative newcomer Lara Brunini, lovely as the seemingly tough mother, with a gorgeous Scottish accent.

Lots to like in the supporting roles. Adeson Oyasope is excellent as Cody’s son Alex, and shows some skilled skateboarding on the way, with Sean Smith working hard as Young Tommy. Paul Anderson is worth waiting for, in his late to the stage appearance as grumpy Uncle Bernard.

There were some impressive stage debuts in this production with Oscar Hawkes nailing the Mancunian accent as Young Mark, Brian Matete impressive as the Security Guard - nicely extending the immigrant theme, Nathan Di Giovanni delightfully larger than life as DJ Pete and Pauline Gibb lovely as poor Aunt Paula. There is also an ensemble of “extras”, many of whom are treading the boards for the first time.

A challenge for the set designer, the locales include a skate park (with a nicely employed ramp), Maine Road Football Ground, a karaoke bar and an airport as well as the more usual bedroom and living room - with director Jane Sherwood’s design nicely realised - although some changes were not quite slick. Lighting, also designed by Jane Sherwood was effective, with well managed sound design by Ian Wilson.

Always great to see a new show, with the bonus of seeing a lot of new talent. An interesting story, nicely told.

Kimberley Shaw