Recently I went to see the first instalment of SHU Performance's Final Show Festival: 'Unexpected'. We are introduced into the auditorium by Future Mia (Sophie Davidson). She then opens the show instructing us to turn our phones off, this was an interesting take on the notion rather than the same dull tired announcement at the start that we have all heard a thousand times. We are told the story of Mia (Alexandra Hughes), a single woman who happens to be six months pregnant...despite not having sex in nine months, with three men showing up on her doorstep all claiming to be the father, Lucifer (Jack Hallam), the Angel Gabriel (Sam Fake) and Gary Goodman (Sophie Davidson). The tale is presented as a comedy built on the miscommunication between Mia, the three men, her ex-boyfriend Michael (Declan Smith) and her best friend Rebecca (Kiera Rhodes).
Alexandra Hughes was fantastic as Mia, she really brought the sarcastic yet caring character to life, she was confident and excellently cast in the role. She understood the role completely, playing the different sides of Mia rather than focusing on just one aspect of her personality.
The role of Future Mia was matched by Sophie Davidson with rhyming monologues exploring Mia's story. Her interaction with Declan Smith was very comedic. Taking on the role of Gary Goodman, she became immersed in his character completely, making you understand exactly what is wrong with Gary Goodman.
Sam Fake was amazing in the role of Gabriel, his angelic singing voice being a perfect match for the character when it was brought into play.
Jack Hallam was perfectly cast as Lucifer, his performance had both the dramatic tones needed for any actor who takes on any version of Lucifer, but the perfect amount of comedic chops for the play at hand.
The role of Michael was played exceptionally by Declan Smith, he managed to bring out all of Michael's stupidity, just further adding to the comedy. He didn't make Michael a one dimensional stupid character though which was a relief to see as more often than not people over play on stupidity.
Rebecca's character is very forgettable, with very few lines and not much personality, but Kiera Rhodes managed to make her memorable. Her largest monologue was delivered in a way that made the audience pay attention to find out what exactly her revelation was.
I enjoyed the show so much I went back the next night! All the actors were perfect in their roles and I could not imagine it with another cast. They all delivered the comedy of the script excellently, the audience laughing at almost every line in the play.
4/5
