The World Premiere of THE WAY OLD FRIENDS DO - stage review

Ian Hallard (Peter) and James Bradshaw (Edward)
 in The Way Old Friends Do
Photograph by Darren Bell

The Way Old Friends Do

Written by Ian Hallard

Directed by Mark Gatiss


REVIEW:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It is world premiere time, at Birmingham's Repertory theatre, UK, of The Way Old Friends Do - until Sat March 04 2023.

It is 2015, and ex-school friends, Peter and Edward,  meet up at Peter's place after a long estrangement. Wine and memory sharing soon relaxes any tensions, and they find themselves reminicsing about Peter's passion and his nerdy obssession for ABBA. The reunion results in further meetings to build on the idea of them forming an ABBA tribute band with the two performing as drag artist versions of Abba's Agnetha and Frida. 

Other characters are introduced as the couple's vision is made a reality. Peter's friend, Sally is the stage hand, and Jodie and Mrs Campbell are willing to cross-dress and perform as Bjorn and Benny. The initial intention was to be a one-off performance, however, an after show visit from, Christian, alters plans going forward and changes group dynamics.

Andrew Horton is Christian in
The Way Old Friends Do
Photograph by Darren Bell

Admirable, naturalistic performances by James Bradshaw, Donna Berlin and Andrew Horton playing Edward, Sally and Christian respectively, and it was hugely apparent that the audience adored Rose Shalloo as Jodie and Tariye Peterside as Mrs Campbell - two incredibly funny actors! As for Hallard, well he appears to transition from apologetic Peter to an emotionally unleashed, sparkly Agnetha, stomping around in full Abba insignia - a wonderful overall performance of a character created from his own imagination!

Donna Belin (Sally) and Ian Hallard (Peter, as Agnetha)
The Way Old Friends Do
Photograph by Darren Bell

‘Just write what you know’ is often the advice given to a writer stumped for ideas, and, of course, the artistic world in which both Ian Hallard and Mark Gatiss inhabit must give rise to ideas that form some pretty fabulous interpretations of all kinds of stuff that they know about already, or are exposed to through their creative lives and work experiences.

Hallard states that The Way Old Friends Do is not autobiographical, but it is a heartfelt nod to a long, understanding friendship (from boys to men), while equally celebrating Hallard’s fandom, held since childhood, for ABBA and their music. The play, in which Hallard performs as the key character, Peter, demonstrates his knowledge of the gay scene, and reveals his skills as a playwright. There is playfulness in his writing and a wicked sense of humour, resulting in a laugh out loud comedy. 

The reviewer cannot recall being in the company of such a colourful audience before, and with director, Mr Gatiss seated among us on press night, it felt a very special night, one worthy of unleashing this rather cheekily rude, highly entertaining, stage play, to future world stages. The best of luck with it!

Production shot of The Way Old Frends Do
Photograph by Darren Bell

Note: the voices of Miriam Margolyes (Nan) and Paul O'Grady (Radio DJ) feature. 

Review by theatre critic, Debra Hall (favourite Abba song The Name of the Game) who attended the press night performance of The Way Old Friends Do at Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The Rep) on Wednesday 22nd February, 2023 at 7.00pm

References

Birmingham Rep. Souvenir Brochure The Way Old Friends Do (2023)

Birmingham Rep The Way Old Friends Do Press Release e-mail 20th February 2023 with production photography

Birmingham Rep What's on The Way Old Friends Do https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/the-way-old-friends-do-2/

https://www.google.com/