JB Shorts
Peter Kerry, Trevor Suthers, Lindsay Williams, James Quinn, Lisa Holdsworth, Diane Whitley and Dave Simpson
Real Life Theatre Co and 53two
53two, Manchester
October 28-November 7; 2 hrs
After a year-long break, J B Shorts returns to its comfortable home at 53two, Manchester’s most comfortably accessible theatre space. The formula - six very short plays of about 15 minutes each - is a winner, and the current collection, the 28th, is outstanding.
The opener, Death on the Crock by Peter Kerry, sees author Jenni (Sue Ryding), wishing to kill off her slightly crazed but seriously successful character Crock (Patrick O'Donnell). But he has other ideas, as does the publishing establishment. Performances are strong and well-paced, but the slightly crazed opening style gets in the way of the dialogue a little. Sue Ryding, well known as half the local comedy duo, LipService, brings a more naturalistic style to her role as Jenni, while Patrick O’Donnell delivers exactly the right character, persistently annoying and persistently charming, with an underlying layer of threat.
A Viewing by Trevor Suthers, is a style of story we often see at JB Shorts: an unusual take on a common experience. Estate agent Caroline (Aalia Zorko), is showing Aiden (Liam Grumshaw), and Barbara (Jill Myers), around a house - a house with a unique view. Will they buy? We’ve all been there, in fact it seems we all are there. Is everything normal? Myers, playing the most relatable of all three characters, carries complete conviction, which underlines the strength of this well-written piece. The silent acting from Myers and Grunshaw as realisation dawns and their brains process potential responses, is a joy.
Intelligence, written by Lindsay Williams, gives a sharp introduction to AI from what seems like the distant past, maybe 10 years ago? Miranda Park’s direction brings a modern sharpness to rapid stand-up decision-making as our futures are processed. Within a strong cast Sean Ollier, as the investor (aka Elon), is brilliantly scary.
After the interval, where drinks are served by staff who understand the speed traditionally required (something not always found these days), we returned to three glorious pieces - collectively possibly the best I’ve seen.
James Quinn’s Even Higher Definition looks at how we view art. Fisher (James Quinn) and his wife Meg (Wendy Paterson), are visiting a gallery, easily identifiable as the recent Ai Wei Wei exhibition, Button Up, at Factory International. The play’s characters examine not just how we view art today, how but also how art is made, and how both compare with the past. They are assisted in their thoughts by volunteer Sam (Pavanveer Sagoo). It’s funny, relatable and serious - and as it’s written by Quinn, there is also mention of football... A J B Shorts classic.
Lisa Holdsworth’s Book Boyfriend is also a J B Shorts classic, style-wise, brought into a new setting. Hannah (Amanda Henderson), enlivens her laundry folding by listening to a romantic novel, the type once known as a "bodice-ripper". But the stereotype is avoided. She has a partner, Paul (Samuel Holland) who discovers this, alongside discovering her book boyfriend (Will Huntington), who has materialised in their home. Writing, cast, and direction - by Janine Waters - couldn’t be bettered.
J B Shorts 28 ends with The Great Escape, a superbly funny and endearing story about love, friendship and ageing. Sharply written by Diane Whitley and Dave Simpson, and beautifully performed by Ellie Winkworth as care home manager Hilary, and residents Sid (Leslie Davidoff) and Joe (Dave Dutton). The content and the performances are rooted in Greater Manchester, but the themes are universal.
The Great Escape exemplifies some of what is best in J B Shorts: key themes of life placed under the microscope and examined with wit, care, and real humanity, making us laugh and almost bringing a tear to our eyes. Added to this is the regular feature of bringing together highly experienced northern actors to work with newcomers. Oh, and again there’s football, with support this time for both teams.
It’s great to have J B Shorts back. It’s a Manchester institution, a popular and important part of the Manchester theatre landscape - alongside relative newcomer 53two, which is a really welcoming, friendly and accessible venue.
I'll be returning many times again.
More info and tickets here
