ExEl Theatre proves age is just a number in dazzling showcase at 53two

Six short plays, a monologue and a poem!

After meeting the ExEl theatre company at their home inside the theatre space of 53two, we were invited back to watch their April showcase Seven Short Shots.

Seven Short Shots is the latest production by ExEl, a group of writers from across Manchester. The ExEl company is exclusively for over 60s who have completed the Royal Exchange Theatre’s Elders Programme, and is filled with talented local writers, directors and musicians.

Their April performance featured six plays, a poem, a monologue, and a raffle!

The show opened with Elders Graduate and ExEl member Bill Connor playing a piano in the corner of the theatre as audience members and cast filled the theatre space of 53two.

Bill is a well-known musician and composer who has worked with some big names, casually mentioning McCartney, Zimmer and Jagger in conversations.

While still working across the globe his heart is firmly rooted in Manchester, he finds time to organise the Elders’ Choir at the Royal Exchange, and is very devoted to the ExEl group.

While each short has been written and directed by ExEl members, the overall production director is Mark Rosenthal.

Mark curated the whole show and in doing so, ExEl member Ne’lle Black said, “He showed great skill, remarkable patience and good naturedness.”

As the piano was played softly in the background, the ExEl members and directors all mingled into the crowd before the show, the energy and enthusiasm coming off them was infectious.

The large cast and crew all sat on the cabaret seats surrounding the performance area, ready to support their fellow members and jump into action during scene changes.

The Seven Short Shots show was a script-in-hand performance, which allowed the short sketches to flow and made the show feel more laid back, which was great.

Unfinished business, by Sandy Parkinson, directed by Steve Bassam

The show began with a solo performance, where the main character, Molly is played by Yvonne Bremer and the short focuses on Molly who is trapped in a computer system. This compelling black-mirror-style short drew you in and kept you wanting to know more. The simple yet effective staging technique of Yvonne sat alone on a chair with low lights made the short seem a lot longer and drawn out, making you wonder how long Molly had really been stuck in the system, and who had done this to her!

James Riddle, by Linda Martin, directed by Estelle Longmore

When a group of friends take a visit to the countryside to their friend James’s house, to enter they have to solve a riddle to get in. This should be no problem for a Mensa member, right? The four pals have to work together, which proves problematic for some of the more self righteous members of the friendship group. Will they ever get into the holiday home? Maybe if they listen to each other they might finally be able to enjoy their trip once they get inside and can have a jimmy riddle.

I Don’t Have A Daughter by Steve Bassam, directed by Ann Cole

A serious sketch with a twist. A stuck in his ways dad denies he has a daughter when the police come knocking, but why is he adamant he’s dead to her? Containing classic Manchester football team rivalry, Fred Yeomans and Ann Sarge play the anxious parents waiting to find out what trouble their daughter is in. Their arguing is reminiscent of every parental tiff, but as things heat up in the kitchen the police officer becomes more and more concerned. Yelling until he’s blue in the face, you find out why things got so heated between the family… football! As blue moon plays to close the show, you realise it was never that serious, but the locked up daughter picked the wrong side of Manchester to support!

The Last Supper written and directed by Graham Gillis

A couple invite their friends over to join them for their anniversary dinner, but will it end up being The couples Last Supper together? With lots of twists and turns along the way, and even an impromptu visit from a ten pound pom, sharing a meal together has never looked so dangerous. With two sets of couples and a surprise visitor, anything could happen, and it certainly does. This short has it all, an Australian accent, great acting, wife swapping and murder!

2 Across – written by Ne’lle Black and directed by Sarat Broughton

2 Across follows both a mother and daughter, played by Linda Martin and Carmen Wood-Hope, and a father and son, played by Graham Gillis and Steve Bassam. Both of the pairs are sat at their kitchen tables, discussing life over a cup of tea while doing the crossword. The children, now fully grown adults with kids themselves, want their parents to get back in the dating game. This short started life several months ago when I Love Manchester dropped in on one of the ExEl rehearsals. After watching the sketch go from a few friends testing out material and playing around with stage directions it was great to see 2 Across as a fully fleshed out short with a compelling storyline, complete with stage lighting, costumes and props. The short featured music from Dan Black, who composed Borrowed Chords for his father’s performance.

Gnome Sweet Gnome written and directed by Sandy Parkinson

Geoff, played by Chaz White, has brought home a new gnome for his wife. A little different to the other hundred gnomes Geoff had brought home, but still stolen like all the rest. Geoff calls it ‘rescuing’ them. His wife, Maggie, played by Val Collier, is less than impressed with his light fingers, but understands why he keeps bringing her the little garden gnomes. As the short continues, and the gnomes keep piling up, you realise the story isn’t about the gnomes stored in the garage, or the theft, but about a husband mourning his late wife. He brings a new gnome to the church yard each week for her, sitting with her headstone to give them all names and brighten up her final resting place. Gnome Sweet Gnome is a lighthearted tale of love, loss and gnomes.

The Personal Shopper by Lorraine Reynolds directed by Gill Bassam

The personal shopper short, featuring Maralyn Tohill, Richard Sandover and Estelle Longmore is a witty piece about jealousy. Husband Duncan, played by Richard, is sick of shopping with his wife, Cheryl, played by Maralyn. The pair have been to every shop in town, when finally they meet Renee, the personal shopper. Her flattery finally convinces the pair to purchase a gorgeous pant suit for Cheryl for their daughter’s wedding. Renee uses the mother of the Brides insecurities to help her one up the mother of the Groom on their daughters big day by being the best dressed, let’s just hope she doesn’t outshine the bride!

Wheels – written and performed by Helen Browne, directed by Steve Bassam

This powerful poem was performed by Helen Browne, Wheels ended the show brilliantly, reminding everyone that no matter what, the wheels keep turning. Helen has Usher syndrome, which is a rare genetic condition that affects hearing, vision, and balance. Helen was assisted to the stage by a fellow Elder and was seen using a red and white cane to navigate the space while performing. This piece closed the show and received a well deserved standing ovation from the audience and ExEl members.

The Seven Short Shots show was a brilliant evening of entertainment with something for everyone. The relaxed performance allowed the cast to enjoy themselves as much as the audience which made the show even better. ExEl are re defining what a theatre company is, by having members from all backgrounds and abilities and giving them the chance to perform in an inclusive theatre is what helps make the Manchester theatre scene so vibrant.The ExEl members are showcasing their talents across the country throughout the year and will be back at 53two for their next show in the autumn.