Review: Play It Again, Sam

Last night, a production of Woody Allen's 'Play It Again, Sam' opened at the People's Theatre in Heaton, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

The play concerns Allan, a young film critic and neurotic who is unlucky in love. Receiving dubious advice on how to proceed from the ghost of Humphrey Bogart and his friends Dick and Linda (who have their own relationship issues), Allan becomes more confused than ever.

Reg White gives a very strong performance as the uptight Allan, managing to draw laughs and sympathy in equal measure, and demonstrates an impressive mastery of Woody Allen-style mannerisms. Pete McAndrew's Bogart was also very convincing, and he managed to maintain the accent well throughout the play.

The rest of the cast performed well, and as usual at the People's Theatre, stage design, lighting and sound were all excellent. The roar of nighttime New York coming through an open window and set decoration extending into the wings were particularly nice touches. Recommended.

The play runs from 16th to 20th June. Full details available here: http://ptag.org.uk/index.htm