The Syndicate – Sheffield Lyceum

We all dream of the big lottery win but The Syndicate at the Sheffield Lyceum just falls short of hitting the theatre jackpot. Written by the supremo of creating relatable characters Kay Mellor completed the writing of this just before her death in May 2022. The Syndicate is directed by her well known daughter, Gaynor Faye, who also plays Kay, the Lottery representative. One winner from this production is the set and costume designer Bretta Gerecke. The first Act set is the shop building the characters are employed at and has multiple playing areas that allow for mood and tone. It is full and detailed and effortlessly transforms into the more clinical house interior of Stuart’s swanky new home in Act Two. A definite nod to the loss of comfortable familiarity to a harder less embracing new future.

As with the TV series The Syndicate follows the lives of the winners of the Lottery winners. 5 characters, 5 lives and £24,000,000. The theatre production is a comedy/drama with much of the comedy having the warm familiar feeling of a 1980/90 TV series of that era, more of a titter than a laugh out loud and not enough drama to fully compel its audience. Not one of Mellor’s finest works in my opinion. Whilst asking a lot of questions the play follows more closely the story of Stuart (Benedict Shaw) with his relationship, family and money worries set in the humdrum nature of everyday life. Shaw is one of the productions strength with a performance that enables the audience to relate and empathise. His girlfriend Amy played by Brooke Vincent works well as his money orientated girlfriend and mother of his children and the pair highlight much of the issues money brings. Denise (Samantha Giles) gives a comedic performance and as she should swings between grating and sympathy. Leanne (Rosa Coduri-Fulford) is the most interesting character with a hidden past and an affection for Stuart.

Oliver Anthony as Stuart’s wayward brother Jamie is the most characture of the all the characters but we are given an insight into his behaviour towards his rollercoaster demise. The stand out performance has to be the final Syndicate member Bob played with the expected class and just the right amount of comedy/drama by William Ilkley. Whilst some of the characters appear ‘overplayed’ Ilkley gives a masterclass of how to balance the two genres. Jade Golding as Annie and Jerome Ngonadi as Detective Newall with Connor James-Ryan as Ensemble/Understudy complete the 10 strong cast.

The Syndicate highlights the realities of winning the lottery from how to divide the money, who to help, how relationships change, and how life just isn’t the same again for better or worse. Money is the root of all evil comes to mind! But how amazing to be able to help all the people you love! 

Take a read of the programme in detail, there is a funny section on real life stories of where people have hidden their winning tickets… I found it funnier than what was on the stage if I am really honest. It certainly made me question how I would keep mine safe until it was handed to the Lottery for collection. The Syndicate is at the Sheffield Lyceum until Saturday 15^th June. It is worth a nostalgia night out, but don’t expect fireworks. It certainly makes you question how you would react in the situation, delving past the euphoria of winning. Perhaps the majority of the cast would have been better off just missing the jackpot – much like the production.

Reviewer: Tracey Bell

Reviewed: 11th June 2024

North West End UK Rating: