the sunset five

A pub quiz team with a weirdly specific set of skills set out to pull off a casino heist in this hilarious production from DugOut Theatre. Combining a puntastic script from Tom Black and Sadie Spencer with movement and live music played by the actors, The Sunset Five is a treat. It begins with a song; as the audience file in the cast sit surrounded by instruments in a row at the back of the stage, playing a series of folk tunes. A hush descends as a mysterious American stands to tell the story of how a band of misfits from Norfolk saved a pub named The Sunset from the clutches of a greedy millionaire.

Director George Chilcott has created a holistic piece of theatre which cannot fail to entertain with its talented cast and Johnny English-esque script. The Sunset Five is a terrific blend of storytelling and playmaking, the theatrical construction made clear through the frame of the pub quiz. Well-designed lighting helps to add depth to the world of the play, whilst the soundscape is brilliantly matched to each scene. The cast produce the audio effects themselves, in addition to all the music in the play. Jeez, there’s nothing like seeing a fantastic comic actor harmonise and pick up three instruments over the course of a play to diminish your accomplishments! I digress…

This production has it all- likeable characters, a cracking soundtrack and the message that you can achieve anything your heart desires if you have enough explosives. A high octane, big laughs, farce.

The Sunset Five is playing at The Pleasance Dome (Venue 23) until 31 August (no performance on 19) as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. For further information, visit the Edinburgh Fringe website.