Six Short Plays

We had been saying for ages at work that we should go and watch a play or see a comedy show… and us girls at Sellick Partnership often take our time about arranging these things…

But finally the opportunity arose when JB Shorts had set another date to perform in Manchester. So for those of you who haven't heard of JB Shorts before, it's a collection of six short plays by top UK TV writers. The six plays all had interesting storylines with exciting twists at the last minute.

I was a bit sceptical at first as I often go to plays and either don't understand what the whole point of the storyline was or just leave slightly disappointed that it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

However, JB Shorts had some really good reviews so we thought it was worth our Thursday evening to go and watch. Natalie Anglesey from the Manchester Evening News said it was "A unique opportunity to see master craftsmen at work - and enjoy a wonderful night out”; amd Simon Armitage, a poet and playright, said it "Fast moving, funny and touching. The most enjoyment I've ever had in a cellar”. 

Whilst I couldn't say it was the best ever, I actually was surprised to find that I found the plays really interesting. The fact they were each only 20 minutes long made sure that they captured our attention the whole way through. The short story lines were each quite moving and actually quite thought provoking - one of them even nearly made me cry. The actors similarly really captured our attention and delivered the stories spot on.

The only downside I think was the venue, in the cellar of an old pub which had seen better days. Sticky floors, peeling paint and chairs which I think had fallen off the back of the delivery van and been dragged along the motorway for about a hundred years. If you like that rather old and damp smell though I'm sure it actually adds to the atmosphere. Though I have to say I mostly just disappointed that they didn't have any Glitter Berry J20...