Kay Mellor’s The Syndicate at The Alex in Birmingham
For a great night out with friends or family, The Syndicate at The Alex in Birmingham is a fab way to remind us that money can’t buy you love!
Life is a bit of struggle for those who work at the local supermarket but they’re a team and they support one another, so much so that they do the lottery together, they’re in a syndicate.
Deputy Manager Stuart acted by Benedict Shaw is really feeling the pinch,there just isn’t enough money he’s got a young child, one on the way and his demanding partner Amy acted by the fabulous Brooke Vincent wants it all and out of his mum’s house.
Store Manager Bob played by the charismatic William Ilkley has just had some terrible news, the company is being taken over and everyone has to reapply for their jobs, he’s ok as he’s going to retire but what about his beloved colleagues?
Reliable Denise acted by the sensational Samantha Giles is stuck in a rut at home looking after her mom and her lazy husband , she’s not moving to another store , she doesn’t drive and she can’t get two buses! Denise is in charge of collecting the lottery money and finds it frustrating having to chase a certain member for their money and they are 5 weeks behind now.
Leanne acted by the delightful Rosa Coduri-Fulford just wants a quiet life, she works hard, does the shifts but keeps herself to herself. At home it’;s just her and her daughter Stacey who she adores , she doesn’t need anyone else.
Jamie acted by Oliver Anthony is the last member of staff to join the team , he’s Stuarts younger brother, a bit of a lad and has been on the wrong side of the law and of the local drug dealers. He too is feeling a financial pinch for more selfish reasons then his sensible brother.
Amy acted by the fab Brooke Vincent brings a bit of glamour to the story with her desire to have her own home, money and designer handbags. Stuart does his best but it just isnt good enough , so she moves back into her parents which sends Stuart over the edge, he’s desperate to keep his family together.
All the staff have different issues going on at home , so when the store is raided and Bob is hospitalized by the robbers, detective Newall acted by Jerome Ngonadi is determined to get to the bottom of it.
Would winning the lottery make all their lives better or worse? Watch the show to find out!
I remembered watching the TV show of the play but seeing it on stage brought a whole new level of grit, drama, suspicion and compassion. The whole cast were amazing and myself and the audience were gripped from the beginning to the end.
Another 5 star performance for The Alex in providing a stage for the wonderful writer Kay Mellor to continue sharing her stories with us.
Congratulations to everyone involved especially Gaynor Faye- Bravo!
Be quick-Don’t miss your chance to see this jackpot of a production on until the 29th June. Book your winning tickets at The Alex – HERE!
Words my own, no AI !
Lisa Bayliss
