UpN'Under Hull Truck Theatre 13th July By Michelle Dee

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A near capacity audience at the Spring Street Theatre attended the twentieth anniversary performance of John Godber's Rugby League comedy on Tuesday evening. A remarkable testament to the extraordinary pulling power and appeal of his work. There was an audible buzz of excitement among the crowd as we sat down to enjoy the latest offering from Hull Truck.

The show opens with an energetic Cheerleader dance routine by Hull University Sharkettes who were warmly received by the audience. Using Shakespearean style verse we are told the outline to the story. The narration was necessary to move the plot along but did upset the character development and overall momentum of the play. Arthur Hoyle played by Iain Rogerson is the painter and decorator with dreams of winning.

He makes a bet that he can take any amateur Rugby sevens team, train them in six weeks, then beat the reigning champions. Arthur's foolhardy wager is readily accepted by Reg Walsh, played by local actor Martin Barrass. The unscrupulous Reg chooses a team that have never won and don't even have seven players.

We are introduced to the unlikely team in the confines of the changing room. We soon learn that they are a group of well meaning likeable chaps but they are sadly lacking in motivation and hopeless on the rugby field. Their fatalistic working class attitudes shine throughout like the lighthouse on top of Flamborough Head. They are duped by Hoyle and begin the rigorous training regime with more than a little reluctance.

Hoyle's salvation comes in the form of Hazel Scott owner of the local gym, played by Kate Baines, when he meets her down by the river training. He explains to her his monumental task and persuades her to train his motley crew. Together they prepare for a showdown not seen since David met Goliath and cobbed a stone at him.

The story then picks up pace and the gags come thick and fast. Top comedy honours have to go to Rob Angell's portrayal of Frank. His dry wit is delivered with unerring comic timing and just the right amount of measured mournfulness. Of course Godber has gone back and rewritten a lot of the original script in this new version but it still needs the acting talents of those like Angell to bring it to life and the audience to their knees. The second half is not as broken up by narration and you start to roll in the aisles as the lads try to get fit before your very eyes. The only girl in the troupe had her work cut out for her.

Continued on www.thisisUll.com...... Next Page.

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