Following the story of the "daughter of the sun" – Phoebe Salt – as she wishes for a life greater than that of her mother and aunt, this performance showcases a stellar cast, with each and every actor adding fresh discovery to the plot.
Isabella Rossi, a girl who grew up on the streets of Stoke-on-Trent herself, shone in the titular role of the glamorous, yet egocentric Phoebe Salt.
The title for the play proved a fitting one as the show was shrouded in mystery from the first scene as Tommy Frizzell – portrayed by Matthew David Jones – opened what appeared to be a time capsule to take us back to where the real story of Phoebe's life began.
There was a clever use of freezeframes and frequent breaking of the fourth wall, as well as use of the staircases around the auditorium, which added to the informal feel created by a stage in-the-round, and helped to nicely vary the pace in an otherwise fast-moving production.
This entire play is set in one room of the house, with a slightly raised platform centre-stage creating a clear set living room, and the rare moments of old-fashioned music contributed well to the action onstage.
Comedy was not a struggle to find throughout the evening, with jokes spread throughout every scene, and the audience were often blessed with a good opportunity to release their laughter, however the suggested age that the show is appropriate for of 14+ was certainly appropriate as many of these jokes occurred on a more mature level.
Phoebe Salt's flamboyant, flowery skirts were simple yet mesmerising, and each costume settled you nicely into the world of the play, in 1930s working-class Stoke-on-Trent.
There was much coming and going on stage throughout the evening, however it felt like there was little development of the plot moving forwards until near the end of the second act.
Faced with a surprisingly dark twist near the end of the play, yet still featuring a satisfactory ending, Whatever Happened to Phoebe Salt is a perfect example of the talent of late playwright Arthur Berry, who seamlessly intertwined comedy, intrigue and excitement in this production, while still keeping the playful youthfulness which so appeals to slightly younger audiences as well as old.
Overall, this play was a wonderful portrayal of Arthur Berry's work which truly encapsulated the world of 1930s Staffordshire, and is the perfect way to celebrate not just the work of the playwright himself, but also every working citizen of the city this centenary year.
Whatever Happened to Phoebe Salt is running at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme until Saturday 21st June. Tickets are available here.
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