Denys Edwards Players’ Gym And Tonic – 28 October 2026, Dronfield Civic Hall
Review by Nicola Bourne.
Having, only recently, seen another of John Godber’s plays, which guided you through his own formative years, I could see last night the common thread that runs through much of his work, and understand how his northern upbringing shaped his writing. Denys Edwards Players’ current production of Gym and Tonic, under the experienced directorship of Andrew Hibbert, offers a lovely, light-hearted nod to Godber’s style of commenting on real, working-class life, and offers the adult audience, in particular, a relatable scenario, where they will likely see a bit of themselves in the characters, and recognise their own flaws therein. With plenty of humour and naughtiness, it has a feeling very reminiscent of many Alan Ayckbourn plays and, as such, allows for an entertaining evening.
Don and Shirley Weston, stuck in a rut and looking for a solution to their marital woes, take a break at Scardale Hall Health Spa, where Shirley embraces everything on offer, while Don can only think of how much it’s cost them and how he doesn’t belong there. Allergic to exercise and unable to switch off, his mid-life crisis only deepens and threatens their marriage more than ever. Their story is interwoven with those of other guests and ultimately, their situation comes to a head.
Sue Claydon plays Shirley to Mark Harris’ Don, and they achieve, as a couple, the perfect mix of unsatisfied, frustrated wife, trying to make the best of her situation, with unmotivated, unambitious husband, who has “stopped living” and can be slightly pathetic at times. Despite this, you can absolutely identify with Mark’s character; Godber is brilliant at showing us that these unattractive traits are within us all.
Mark has great stage presence and a confidence that is not only seen in his willingness to strip down to his boxer shorts (even if only for a facial), but also in committing to such a “drippy” character. I immediately compare him to Dave from The Royle Family, both in voice and lack of backbone, and really enjoy his slapstick movements in the “slide” choreography and his relaxed, massage induced dream scene, where he clearly has a lot on his mind, that could explain his negativity. His only drink problem is not being able to have a drink and his discomfort with his surroundings is so relatable. A stalwart of the Sheffield theatre scene, Mark’s experience is apparent.
Sue’s debut with the company, though not her first performance on the wider Sheffield stage, is a perfect fit. I can so identify with her insecurities and frustrations, as so many women can, I’m sure! There is an easiness to both her performance style and her character’s ability to mix with people from all walks of life, without feeling the inferiority that her husband seems to struggle with; a great choice to play Shirley!
On opening, we are introduced to the health spa, by way of a leafy, upmarket entrance and a realistic projected background, showing the building itself. The set is simple but effective, a bit like the play itself, and the main set changes throughout are realised by a simple changeover of this screen. Zoe, played by Rosie Choppin, is teaching an exercise class, a high energy start to the show, where Rosie looks the part, tanned and toned and has the stamina needed for her role. She plays a formidable Zoe and later in the show, introduces a great 70s themed exercise class, which gets the audience clapping to Burn Baby Burn and dancing along from their seats.
Ken Blake and Shaun are present for this class and are played by John Castell and Josh Holliday. I really like John in this role; he is always clad in the best gear (though I don’t remember 90’s shell suits with that much fondness, to be honest) and is always raring to go, despite his age. John’s passive aggressive tone and competitiveness serve to position Ken (or is it Ben?) as top dog and his arrogance regarding money, women and ability comes across. Shaun is an insufferable, spoiled young man, brought to the spa by his father, to relax before his exams. Josh usually looks angry and plays his character well, with some hurtful outbursts and stomping around!!!
Sue McCormick and Corrie Houton don’t disappoint as Gertrude Tate, the 84 year old millionairess and Chloe the masseuse. I’ve enjoyed both their performances in previous shows and again, last night. Sue stands out for me, capturing Gertrude’s snobbishness and superiority, while also letting the audience realise she is a lonely old widow, spending money at the health spa to avoid being at home alone. Her red velour lounge suit epitomises, for me, the wealthy, active pensioner and she could certainly be playing a character from my own life; she’s spot on. Corrie has the funniest part and does it justice. Not the brightest spark, Chloe’s sing-song voice and high pitched “lovely” and “relax”, are totally in keeping with her trade, where calm is promoted and everything the client says is always lovely. Her part in the dream scene is so amusing and unexpected. Well done for such an uninhibited, racy performance and to Kath Kenyon for the outlandish costume!
It’s always nice to see younger members taking part in community theatre, where they can grow and expand their skills, so hats off to Connor Hibbert and Sally Biancardi, for playing Joey and Carrie and to Sally, for aiding David Chinn backstage with some very amusing props! I won’t give any spoilers! Hopefully we’ll see more of you both in the near future!
Containing some mild adult themes, but with a greater dose of observational comedy relating to the human condition, this is a play to be enjoyed for its simplicity and relatability. There are plenty of laughs to be had, and, as Britain’s 3rd rated playwright after Shakespeare and Ayckbourn, it’s certainly worth a trip to watch at least one of Godber’s plays. Another entertaining evening from Denys Edwards Players! Thank you for a great time!
