5 Star
Theatre: Skylight @ Shotgun Players Ashby
Stage
Dogmom's
Dish
Prepare to be riveted...and hungry. Emily Jordan
gives an outstanding performance while preparing an
onstage spaghetti dinner. The intensity of the dialogue
doesn't distract you from the onions simmering in
the skillet, so eat before you go or bring cash for
the reasonably priced snack bar at intermission. Ditto
for the whiskeys downed by the blustery, Brit businessman
played to perfection by John Mercer. (SGP wisely offers
a Hare of the dog cocktail with whisky, honey and
cream.)
Like those delicious smelling onions, Skylight
explores a complex love triangle by peeling back layers
of revisionist history. Throw in a substantial age
difference and class considerations in Thatcher's
mid-80s London and you have the recipe for an incredible
evening (2+ hours) of delicious, five-star theatre.
Hint: this play is uniquely staged with a row of couches
in front of and behind (plus a row of chairs) the
stage. I had a couch seat in front and loved the fly
on the wall feeling. Not everyone will, so plan on
arriving early to change seats if necessary.