UNCOMMON THEATRE, is a theatre company created which supports working-class actors, writers and creatives. SISTERS by David Storey tells the story of the reunion of estranged sisters Adrienne (Joanne Arbor) and Carol (Laura Kaye) at first the hostility appears to be due to their long absence from one another. Once the play develops things twist and unravel and become unsettling clear.

Sarah Dorsett is making her debut performance in the role of Mrs Donaldson. Dorsett appears to be the useful “neighbour” on hand to help Carol out when it comes to choosing furniture and day-to-day chores! As the play progresses I have my idea about what her role is, although it is never confirmed.

Relationships are never straightforward and are far more complex than what you see on the surface. SISTERS tackles many relationships that are part of this peculiar living arrangement. With “things” going on upstairs that aren’t fully explained. Violence within marriage and touching on attitudes towards mental health at the time in which the play was written and first staged in 1978.

Each of the eight cast members brings another slice of society into the domestic setting. The stage sets the play in the 1970s with the wallpaper, record player and glass-fronted display cabinet. My first thought entering the theatre was a similar setting to “Abigail’s Party”.

The storyline dragged at times during the first act as the characters were establishing themselves slowly and at times too guarded. However, with the subjects tackled in the play, the cast had a challenging script considering it was their debut production and overall the performances are strong and convincing.

For more information about SISTERS and future productions at Jack Studio Theatre please use the link below.

Three Stars

Jack Studio Theatre

Cast

Mrs Donaldson: Sarah Dorsett
Adrienne: Joanne Arber
Carol: Laura Kaye
Tom: Christopher Tomkins
Beryl: Catherine Joyce
Joanna: Madelyn Morgan
Terry: Oliver Lyndon
Crawford: Stephen Guy