Working - at the New Wolsey

WORKING is not the usual amateur theatre fodder.

Perhaps best described as a selection of sung and spoken monologues of real people in real jobs with real hopes and real ambitions and real disappointments, Working is not a traditional musical with a traditional storyline - a brave move for Ipswich-based Appeal Theatre Group.

However, that doesn't mean the strong cast under the direction of Jo Whelton aren't up to the job, far from it.

This is an interesting and fascinating production and it's great to see Appeal rise to the challenge.

Making full and effective use of the New Wolsey Stage, the cast tell the stories of 23 different workers - a check out girl, a truck driver, a project manager, a retired man, a fireman to name a few - in the course of a 24 hours.

The full cast are on stage throughout and there are some lovely songs, under the command of musical director Jo King, with many well executed performances.

Sheila Garnham as the school teacher, Duncan Broatch as the Iron Worker, Sally Scurrell as the waitress, Mike Wren as the parking lot attendant, Jane Robinson as the housewife, Lorena Cenci as the mill worker to name just a few of the highlights.

In the big musical numbers, choreography by Suzanne Lowe is highly stylised and effective at complimenting the stories being told. Lighting is also beautifully subtle and nicely underplayed.

Though there are comedic moments - cocaine sniffing Charlie the ex-copy boy among those providing a bit light relief -Working is not really a comedy.

At times moving and dark though ultimately feel good, this show is not fluffy and has something to say about us and the restrictions on our lives.

Definitely worth making the effort for, it's treat to see the choice of this amateur group paying off.

Go for it Appeal.

JAMES MARSTON