Sheila’s Island by Tim Firth
[Ad-gifted] Get ready for a night of dark comedy in thick fog, as four hapless ladies on a team-building excursion get washed up on a not-so desert island on Derwentwater in November
So here we are on the very foggy banks of a tiny island called Rampsholme in the middle of Derwentwater – in November. Just the season for a team-building trip away from the office! Rampsholme does exist (I looked it up). The tiniest of four islands, it could be the perfect place to get stranded if you didn’t want to be too far away from civilisation – but more importantly, it could fit nicely on the stage of Stoke Rep Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent… with a little help from a lot of fog, a few rocks and some very bare trees.
The four ladies seem to have sunk their rowing boat – and lost one of their rucksacks too. They stagger out of the water and start assessing the situation. Perhaps they think they won’t be on there that long, but the only mobile phone they have has died, and few have the survival skills necessary to make camp life more comfortable. No, wait: Julie (played by Ruth Jones), a middle manager from HR, has got more than a few surprises packed away in her bag, but the woman who has everything lacks the initiative to put her supplies to use.
Shiela (Louise Challinor) is the leader of the group. Self-appointed? Maybe. Clueless? Definitely not. Overthinking things, she is convinced that the trip is actually a puzzle packed with cryptic clues. Trapped with Sheila and Julie are colleagues Denise played by Chris Lockett (one of those ladies who has been at the company forever – cynical, difficult, tactless and very funny) and Fay (Rachel Miller), a lady of Christian persuasion who has just come back from taking 13 months off to deal with trauma in her private life, and a mysterious person called Lucy.
These very different characters have to find a way of rubbing along with each other while they wait to be rescued from what unfolds as hellish few days. Julie’s husband, Angus, (to whom they sent a voicemail before the phone died) does not seem to be responding to their plight, leaving Denise to speculate that he may be enjoying his time free of Julie a little too much. Fay indulges a bit of bird watching, but starts to unravel again under the pressure of the situation. Denise lets rip – into everyone – unfettered by the formality of the office… and Sheila? She is just trying her best to keep it all together.
The play is firmly rooted in the North West, delivering dark comedy the way only the British can do. It is full of witty observations, home truths, bickering and friendship, doubt and downright hilarity. After the interval, it take a darker turn but is never afraid to poke fun at its characters, from their personal beliefs to their vanity and beyond. There are plenty of moments that we recognise in our own lives, and these observations of the minutiae of real life are what drives the storyline.
The cast were great. Unafraid, they stripped down on stage, made fun of themselves, delivered their lines with sincerity and wit, and held the audience on their side. The stage was bleak in the true style of the UK countryside in November. And we got lots of rolling fog – and plenty of water on the ladies’ clothing to boot.
It is thanks to theatres like the Rep that we can watch this kind of play – it doesn’t have to be a big production to delight the audience. Sheila’s Island highlights how unique British comedy can be, celebrating life in an affectionate yet irreverent way that will connect with most of us.
CAST
Sheila – Louise Challinor
Denise – Chris Lockett
Julie – Ruth Jones
Fay – Rachel Miller
DIRECTING TEAM
Director – Michael Fair
Assistant director – Sarah Weston
Production: This comedy production was written by Tim Firth, a master of the essence of the gritty north and a playwright with many screen credits to his name.
Cast Details for Sheila’s Island
Louise Challinor – Sheila
Chris Lockett – Denise
Ruth Jones – Julie
Rachel Millar – Fay
Creative Details
Director Michael Fair
Assistant Director Sarah Weston
How much do the tickets cost?
Eening tickets are £16.00 plus a booking fee of £1.25. Programmes are £2 plus 16p reservation fee while matinee tickets are priced at £14.01.
How do I book tickets?
To book tickets, go here. Alternatively, please call 01782 209784: Monday to Friday 5pm – 7pm; weekends 10am – 6pm or contact Sharon at the box office: BoxOffice@StokeRepPlayers.co.uk.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
Show starts at 7.30pm with an interval and finishes by about 10.00pm. Running from 9 to 13 June 2026.
Where is Stoke Repertory Theatre?
Stoke Rep is a great venue. The slightly steeper seating in the auditorium means that everyone gets a good view of the stage. The bar is well-stocked and managed, the facilities spotless and the car park free.
Leek Road
Stoke-On-Trent
ST4 2TR
Tel: (01782) 209897
email: stokerep@btconnect.com
About Stoke Repertory Players
Stoke-on-Trent Repertory Players are the in-house theatre company of the Stoke Rep Theatre producing a programme of five quality theatrical productions each season with an outstanding history of 100 Years as a leading force in the artistic culture of the area.
About Stoke Rep Theatre
The idea to have a new, purpose-built theatre was created following the destruction of the Empire Theatre in Longton by fire on New Year’s Eve 1992 after plans to purchase this wonderful period property came to an abrupt end. Fund Raising had started by the Rep members in 1991 and the new build project received the help of the Arts Council, a National Lottery grant, the support of the City Council, funds raised by the membership and the generous sponsorship of numerous local companies and businesses.
On November 7th 1997, at a Gala Evening, The Players were proud to open a brand new 250 seat theatre in Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent. It was opened by the guest of honour, the Right Honourable Mark Fisher MP, Minister for The Arts.
The Rep is a Limited Company with charitable status. It is operated and staffed by volunteers and receives no annual funding or grants from National Arts bodies or the City Council. It continues to be the the home of amateur theatre company, The Stoke on Trent Repertory Players, 2021 marked the Centenary of this group of dedicated performers.
Tips / Information
- Free parking available at the Theatre Car Park, but try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the performance. Overspill Free Parking available at the front of Quantum House to the left of the Theatre or at the University (Mon to Fri) after 5 pm. There will be a £1 fee (card payment) charged for Sat shows at the ticket machine on the University Car Park on arrival or exit
- Coffee Bar/Theatre Bar – Opens 45 minutes prior to performance and may remain open for a limited time following the end of evening performances. Interval drinks may be pre-ordered at the Bar to avoid Interval queues. Alcoholic Drinks are NOT allowed in the Auditorium and must be consumed in the Bar Area. Only water in plastic bottles may be consumed in the Auditorium.
- Accessibility: They have designated car parking spaces and level ground-floor access to the foyer and auditorium where wheelchair access is available on Row B.
- Assistance Dogs are welcome and there is an Induction Loop provided for hearing impaired patrons.
You may also want to read this:
Review: Peter Quilter’s Glorious! at Stoke Repertory Theatre
Review: God of Carnage at Stoke Repertory Theatre
Review: E Nesbit’s The Railway Children at Stoke Rep Theatre
Photo Credit: Stoke Repertory Theatre
18 comments
This sounds like a wonderfully entertaining production. I love British comedy that mixes humor with real-life situations, and the characters sound both relatable and hilarious. The foggy island setting and strong cast make this seem like a fantastic night at the theatre!
It certainly is a fabulous show
This sounds like a fun one! I really love comedic stage shows, especially when it’s dry and dark. It’s just so perfect for live viewing.
Absolutely, sometimes we just need a good evening out at the theatres
I would love to see this one! I’m a big fan of dark humor, and these women sound like they make a highly entertaining quadruple lost in the wilds.
They did make the night enjoyable and entertaining at the same time
This sounds like a winner. I love this kind of comedy, and I’m a big fan of clashing personalities that are over the top. I really want to see Sheila’s Island.
Definitely a winner and one I am sure you would enjoy too
What a cool set! This sounds like it is a great show to check out. It is nice to see something a little different for a show.
Can’t agree with you more Marysa
oh wow…I would love to watch this, it seems amazing. I miss watching good theaters, especially if they’re fun and entertaining.
Hope you do get the chance Karen
I love that this is a female-centred show, and the story would have me hooked! It’s so important to support local artists.
Absolutely and local theatres as well
Sheila’s Island sounds like a fun show to watch with my family and glad to know that it is a female centered one. Thank you very much for the recommendation.
You are so welcome and such a lovely production as well
The stage looks SO well designed! What a fantastic show – thank you for your review.
You are so welcome, yes well designed stage and props