Play preview - Loaded in Harrogate: Gripping, witty, unmissable

I was privileged to be invited inside Harrogate Theatre for a private performance of its most important new drama for years a full week before curtain up.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Feb 2016, 15:59 BST
Updated 26th Feb 2016, 17:00 BST
Loaded in Harrogate - Actor Lee Bainbridge, second from right, with fellow cast members Andy Murton (Pete), Susan Mitchell(Carol), playwright David Bown and Keith Hukin (Mick) (1602162AM1)Loaded in Harrogate - Actor Lee Bainbridge, second from right, with fellow cast members Andy Murton (Pete), Susan Mitchell(Carol), playwright David Bown and Keith Hukin (Mick) (1602162AM1)
Loaded in Harrogate - Actor Lee Bainbridge, second from right, with fellow cast members Andy Murton (Pete), Susan Mitchell(Carol), playwright David Bown and Keith Hukin (Mick) (1602162AM1)

It was just myself, the Harrogate Theatre production team and the four-strong cast of Loaded in Harrogate in the intimate atmosphere of the theatre's upstairs studio.This Harrogate-set jewellery shop armed robbery drama may have lacked its full props and projected films which audiences will enjoy in the main auditorium from next Thursday, March 3.But this 'unplugged' version of David Bown's gripping, witty and very physical play (I will say no more!) starring an all-guns blazing cast - Lee Bainbridge, Keith Hukin, Andy Murton and Sue Mitchell - simply blew me away - at one point almost literally!

You'll see what I mean if you go and see this cracking production.If Michael mann's classic heist movie Heat was Armani, Loaded in Harrogate was more Primark - but no less compelling and entertaining for that.In particular, the thrillingly testosterone-fuelled robbery scene set in a Harrogate jewellery shop was utterly classic.Packed with Harrogate references and spoof DJ-ing from Stray FM's departing presenter Alex B Cann, the show also boasts some great music recorded by local alt-rock and pop bands Black Ocean and The Birdman Rallies.I can't wait for the real thing.

Related topics:HarrogateHarrogate Theatre