• Review For Us
  • List Your Show
  • Advertising
  • Musicals
  • Plays
  • Ballet & Dance
  • Previews
  • First Look
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2022
    • Edinburgh News
    • Edinburgh Previews
    • Edinburgh Interviews
    • Edinburgh Reviews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2022
    • Edinburgh News
    • Edinburgh Previews
    • Edinburgh Interviews
    • Edinburgh Reviews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
No Result
View All Result
Home Reviews
Sarah Hadland and Shobna Gulati Going the Distance Credit Dennis Madden James Rees

Sarah Hadland and Shobna Gulati Going the Distance Credit Dennis Madden James Rees

Review: Going The Distance (Online)

by Bethany-Jane Christian
October 4, 2021
Reading Time: 3 mins read

Four Star Review from Theatre WeeklyBrilliantly capturing the trials of lockdown, and the effect of the covid-19 pandemic, Going The Distance, is both hilarious and poignant, striking the balance between humour and depth perfectly. Under the direction of Felicity Montagu, the script by Henry Filloux-Bennett and Yasmeen Khan is full of moments that warm the heart and make the audience laugh. The success of the piece lies in its capturing of human nature, and its relatability as it deals with the effects of the pandemic lockdown. Cultural references add to the sense of togetherness that the piece creates.

The story highlights the plight of local theatres across the UK, when under government enforced rules, they had to shut for a prolonged period. Told through the lens of the fictitious Matchborough Community Theatre, the difficulties of survival are explored, as well the importance of local theatre to individuals and the community as a whole. The characters in Going The Distance try to find a way to save their theatre from closure due to lack of finances, by organising a community production. The ups and downs of showbiz, and a few complex relationships within the team, make for comic happenings and laugh out loud moments. The characters are well developed and recognisable for anyone who has been involved in a community project.

The stand-out performance from the well-known and talented cast is Sarah Hadland as Rae, the Head of Marketing of the theatre company. With excellent comic timing, facial expressions, and commitment to character, Hadland is captivating to watch. Other cast members also provide compelling performances. Merch Husey as Kem is vulnerable and touching, and Emma McDonald as Gale takes the audience on a journey of self-discovery and growth as the story unfolds. Penny Ryder as Maggie is a relatable character, with perfect characterisation shown through mannerisms and vocal techniques, and she rounds the piece off with an affecting monologue, reminding us all of the place of theatre in our lives and communities.

       

Sound designer Russel Mitchell and original music composer Richard Wetherall together create an atmospheric soundtrack that enables the audience to rest in the moment of the scenes, whether comic or touching, and allow them to sink in.

Going The Distance is a must-watch for theatre lovers, and helps the audience process the effect of the pandemic, cleverly through the genre of comedy. Both funny and touching, the piece is genuine and unpretentious, with depth and authenticity.

You mightalso like

Noises Off Starring Felicity Kendal

Full Cast Announced for 40th Anniversary Tour of Noises Off

Christina Bianco The Rise and Fall of Little Voice Pamela Raith Photography

Review: The Rise and Fall of Little Voice on Tour

Going The Distance is available to stream Mon 4 October 2021 – Sun 17 Oct 2021. Tickets are on sale here.

       
Bethany-Jane Christian

Bethany-Jane Christian

Theatre has the power to entertain and chase our blues away, to make us think in new ways, bring back memories, or challenge us. That power is something worth grabbing hold of, and so reviewing theatre is important to me, to work out what power each piece has.

Related Articles

Noises Off Starring Felicity Kendal
News

Full Cast Announced for 40th Anniversary Tour of Noises Off

Christina Bianco The Rise and Fall of Little Voice Pamela Raith Photography
Reviews

Review: The Rise and Fall of Little Voice on Tour

The cast of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice Pamela Raith Photography
First Look

First Look: The Rise and Fall of Little Voice UK Tour

Christina Bianco in rehearsal for The Rise and Fall of Little Voice Pamela Raith Photography
First Look

First Look: The Rise and Fall of Little Voice in Rehearsal

Spike Rehearsals credit Pamela Raith
First Look

First Look: Spike at The Watermill Theatre in rehearsal

A Midsummer Nights Dream photo credit Shay Rowan
News

Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield, Announces Spring Season

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Twitter Facebook Youtube Instagram

At Theatre Weekly we give theatre a new audience. You'll find our theatre news, theatre reviews and theatre interviews are written from an audience point of view. Our great value London theatre tickets will get you the best deal for your theatre tickets.
Theatre Weekly, Kemp House, 152 - 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX
  • Join Our Community
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising

Recent News

Anna Ryder and Michael Spenceley

Edinburgh Interview: Anna Ryder and Michael Spenceley on Look, No Hands at Summerhall

Today I Killed my Very First Bird Courtesy of The Company

Edinburgh Review: Today I Killed My Very First Bird at Pleasance Courtyard

© 2020 Theatre Weekly

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Tickets
  • Digital Theatre
  • News
    • West End
    • Off West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2022
    • Edinburgh News
    • Edinburgh Previews
    • Edinburgh Interviews
    • Edinburgh Reviews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer

© 2020 Theatre Weekly