Ex Army Captain, Stella Silver has just purchased a a rundown inner city gym, with aspirations of starting a new successful chapter in her life. Unfortunately for Stella, her regulars would rather have a chat and a cup of tea then use the gym equipment. Then there are some pesky developers who will stop at nothing to get their hands on Silver’s Gym. Can Stella and her motley crew raise enough money in time to save it?
The latest production from The Queens Theatre is a hilarious new comedy that hits the all the right marks. The Silver Gym is written by and stars the Olivier Award-winning Nichola McAuliffe as Stella Silver alongside some of the country’s funniest performers including Pauline Daniels and a vocal cameo by Christopher Biggins.
I always like to review productions at the Queens Theatre, as I have not yet been disappointed. They are always extremely well produced and the caliber of performers is second to none. But when I had the chance to review The Silver Gym, I had my doubts. It just didn’t seem like it was going to be my cup of tea… I couldn’t have been more wrong! I’m pleased to say I found The Silver Gym to be hilarious and in some places very touching.
It is not the most original story ever written, however what I applaud is it’s unwavering nerve to tackle issues such as race, religion, sex, gender, age and domestic abuse, head on. I was quite unprepared for some of the candid dialogue, but definitely in a good way! The comic timing is also on point and at times (to quote the youth of today) I quite literally ‘laughed out loud.’
For me the stand out performers were Suzanna Bygrave as no nonsence housing officer Violet, Kim Ismay as Jewish pole dancer Lysette, Peter Straker as lovable rouge Franklyn and relative newcomer Houmi Miura as air headed assistant Doucette.
The Silver Gym’s diverse regulars stand testament to the diverse audience that will enjoy this production. Well produced, engaging and very funny, The Silver Gym is a great night out that will have you trying to recall the jokes for days.
The Silver Gym is running at the Queens Theatre Hornchurch from the 15th April to 7th May
Tickets are £12.50 – £27
https://www.queens-theatre.co.uk/show/881/the-silver-gym
Photo credit Mark Sepple used with permission of The Queens Theatre
