CityLife

We went to see this wonderful Neil Simon play having previously seen other plays by this great writer. We thoroughly enjoyed the unfamiliar storyline and excellent performances by the 3 members of the cast.<br /> <br /> Particular credit to the young Kirsty Osmon who played the daugther and initially aspiring actress, Libby. She was so believable as a confident, yet really vulnerable youngster looking for her way in the world.<br /> <br /> Stuart Fox was convincing as Libby's long lost father who was not the success she thought he was. His closing scenes were very moving as he finally learns to build bridges and reconcile his relationships with the women in his life.<br /> <br /> The beautiful Elizabeth Carling played a good role as the long suffering girlfriend, Steffy. Her accent was very convincing and totally unlike her more famiiar TV roles.<br /> <br /> Overall, a most enjoyable evening. <br />

As with all Neil Simon plays the challenge facing the cast is to not allow the superb words to swamp the dramatic connections between the characters. This production achieves this and more. Stuart Fox is excellent as the father who walked out on his family, being both infuriating and engaging as the play develops. Elizabeth Carling plays his long term (but not full time) girlfriend with just the right balance of sassy and vulnerable longing. And great praise to Kirsty Osman who turns in a brilliant performance as the feisty but brittle daughter who seeks out her estranged father to try and help her understand her past, and ends up rescuing him. As a debut on the professional stage it is staggeringly good.<br /> <br /> The only sour(ish) note for me was provided by an audience member who decided to talk to his companion during the first half, which distracted quite a few people in the audience. Maybe people who feel the need to do this (and the problem is one I've come across a number of times) could have the courtesy to just shut up! <br /> <br /> But this was the only blot on an otherwise splendid performance<br />