a fantastic show, which roots for the underdog with loveable British spirit and a cast of endearing characters.
Charley is the owner of the local watering hole: hardworking, cheery and the leader of the quiz team. The other quizzers are recognisable British characters, such as the sporty but dim Neil, who wears neon shorts and practises Tai Chi, or the red trousers-wearing Hugh, who left the City to write for the local paper, all lovingly caricatured and endearingly presented. Obviously, the means to overcome this is to plan a Hollywood-style heist of the casino. Nothing could go wrong.
To add another dimension to this already endearing play, the quizmaster and mysterious guru of the group is Fred, a wise cowboy who 'goes where the quiz goes'. Bluegrass and country covers welcome us into the space and very kooky, clever looped soundscapes annotate scene changes. This Western twist on middle-class Britain is unnecessary and brilliant – purely there to entertain, which it successfully does.
The constantly entertaining plot twists and turns, keeping us on our toes. Loveable British emblems such as Barbour jackets and Julie Andrews litter the script, counterpointing the very American format. As silly as the story is, it is also very clever and excellently executed. The music and sound effects are not only clever and detailed, but flawlessly performed on multiple instruments. There isn't a weak member of the cast and each brings enthusiasm, pinpoint characterisation and great comic timing.
Sunset Five is a fantastic show, which roots for the underdog with loveable British spirit and a cast of endearing characters. This is a perfectly formed and very entertaining show.
