Review: Big Big Sky by Tom Wells at New Vic Theatre*

[Ad-gifted] Last night I had the privilege of watching Tom Wells‘s Big Big Sky at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme and what a wholesome and uplifting play it was.

It is always wonderful to return to the New Vic especially since it is the first purpose-built theatre, in the round, in Europe. Although the theatre has a capacity to sit around 600 people, the shows performed there often feel very intimate with the audience feeling as if they are part of the cast due to the proximity with the actors.

Directed by Bryn Holding (a former New Vic Resident Assistant Director), Big Big Sky was performed beautifully in the round yesterday.  Set in a seaside café in Kilnsea, East Yorkshire, the play explores the lives of four interconnected characters as they navigate themes of new love found, loss of a loved one, friendship and motherhood.

While the topics discussed are a little heavy on the heart, there was plenty of light-hearted humour with live country music and line dancing which made the play wholesome and beautiful to watch.

What did I think of the show?

Heading to the New Vic is always pure joy for me as I never know what to expect when I watch their shows. This time around Big Big Sky was another warming  and relatable play which was set in a small-town community environment.  Soon as we sat down, we were greeted with the beautiful set design of the cafe with  visual of the waves crashing onto the shore and sound of the rumbling sea.

The play explores the lives of four interconnected characters, Ed (Sam Baker-Jones) who decides to rent a room at Dennis’ house as he recently moved to the town in search of his dream job.  Angie (Tanya-Loretta Dee) who owns a café, Lauren (Roxanne Morgan) who helps Angie run the café as well as Dennis (Simeon Truby), Lauren’s dad who you might recognise from his television appearance in Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale.

The play brings some sort of community spirit as it delves into daily life issues involving love, grief and birdwatching. Tanya-Loretta Dee plays Angie so well and showcases her as warming character. I did enjoy the tense chemistry between her and Simeon Truby who plays Dennis.  I am sure, Dennis reminds us of someone we all know in our lives who is trying to cope with the ’empty nest syndrome’ and finding new hobbies such a photography and bird watching in the older age. You could tell the crowd loved Simeon Trudy as soon as he came out dressed in his birdwatching gear and when they burst into their ‘ooohs’ when they saw him eating his third portion of pasty and beans.

Roxanne Morgan not only delighted us with her beautiful singing and guitar playing but very aptly portrayed the struggles and emotions of Lauren through her acting.   My favourite just had to be Sam Baker-Jones who plays Ed to perfection.  He quickly won the audience hearts by coming across as timid and nerd-like yet lovable.  His comic timing was perfect from the moment he mention that he is a vegan and often referring to Greta Thunberg and especially when he learns to line dance for the first time.

This is such a beautiful play, so full of warmth and one which shares about the community spirit in a small town. The production runs until Thursday,  24 July 2025.

Cast

Sam Baker-Jones Ed

Tanya-Loretta Dee Angie

Roxanne Morgan Lauren

Simeon Truby Dennis

Creative

Bryn Holding                        Director
Anna Kelsey                          Designer
Daniella Beattie                   Lighting Designer
Jamie Lu                                Sound Designer
Patsy Browne-Hope             Movement Director
Anita Gilbert                           Vocal Coach
Lauryn Redding                     Musical Supervisor
Anji Carroll CDG                 Casting Associate
Polly Wain                            Staff Director

Production Management

Martin Thompson                  Production Manager
Steve Hall                                  Company Stage Manager
Lisa Mellor                            Deputy Stage Manager
Jacob Anderson                    Assistant Stage Manager

How much are the tickets for Big Big Sky by Tom Wells? 

Tickets are on sale now, priced from £15 to £42.  

Concessions: £2.00 off
Group Discounts: £2.00 off for ten or more
Under 16s Go Free
Under 26s Go Free

Note: Part of their 3 Plays Season Ticket. Book to see Big Big Sky, The Grand Babylon Hotel and Earth Angel at the same time and save up to £24 off your theatregoing this year. Season Tickets priced from £87. Speak to Box Office for more details.

How do I book tickets to watch Big Big Sky by Tom Wells?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

Big Big Sky will be running until Thursday,  24 July 2025 with evening shows at 7.30pm and Matinee at 2.15pm (on 12/07, 17/07, 19/07 and 24/07).

Note:

• Free parking is available close to the theatre entrance for Blue Badge holders (reserve a space with their Box Office due to limited space availability)
• Automatic doors and level access into the foyer, ramped access to the auditorium on the ground floor and lift access to the first floor
• Accessible toilets available on both levels of the theatre
• Baby changing facilities and breastfeeding areas available
• Assistance Dogs are welcome and water will be provided. Let Box Office know when booking
• Please note balcony seating is accessible by stairs only, it is approximately 30ft above the main stage and  is not recommended for very young, and those with mobility concerns.
• A Duty Manager is on duty throughout the performance. Do ask if you require assistance
• All smoke effects in New Vic productions are safe and non-toxic
• Remember to silence mobile phones and digital devices
• If crossing the stage area, please exercise extreme cause, as trip hazards may be present
• For copyright reasons, taking photographs or making sound recordings is not allowed
• Should you need to leave the auditorium during the performances, you may be asked to wait until a suitable break before you can be readmitted

Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?

New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG

The theatre has a large car park, with a £2.50 charge on show days. Only contactless card payment is currently accepted for parking charges.

The theatre café is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday – then from 5.30pm for pre-show meals.

Booking is required for pre-show meals 5.30pm onwards, via their booking system at this link.

About The New Vic Theatre

Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council.

You may also want to read this:

Review: Arnold Bennett’s The Card at New Vic Theatre

Review: Ladies’s Day at New Vic Theatre

Review: The Company of Wolves at New Vic Theatre

Photo Credit: New Vic Theatre

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.