What would you spend 4.8 million pounds on?
We all say we would love to win the lottery, but really, what would you buy?
The Syndicate tells the story of five Yorkshire folk who work in the local corner shop and play the Mercury Millions together. Life’s not been easy for them all recently. They have just discovered that the shop has been bought out by the Newburys, and they all have their own life issues happening outside of work. A baby has been born, there’s a husband running off with the carer, money issues and some really bad decision making.
Written by the late Kay Mellor OBE (Children’s Ward, Fat Friends, Band of Gold), and directed by her daughter Gaynor Faye, you can expect nothing less than an emotional rollercoaster of brilliance. You’ll go from having your eyebrows raised to giggling and even a little sadness. Gaynor directs her Mum’s last play with the talent and direction that her Mum so often exhuberated in her works. Mellor had the knack for capturing the intricacies of everyday life and human relationships and The Syndicate does just that!
The stage setup (Bretta Gerecke) is cleverly created with three scenes in one. To the left, you have the staffroom (and sometimes hospital), in the middle is the shop and to the right is the office. Although all on the stage at the same time (in the first half), it works wonderfully alongside the lighting (Jason Taylor) and you find yourself only focusing on the section that they’re acting within.
What adds further to the production is the choice of cast. Established actors from leading roles in popular soaps. They get into character well, and you almost get the feeling that you are not watching a show being performed, you’re watching real-life play out in front of you. They all deliver a delightful performance that brings humour and heart to the stage.
Samantha Giles, well-known for her role as Bernice Blackstock in ITV’s Emmerdale, shines as Denise, a shop assistant in her 50s who brings plenty of comedy to her role. Her charming delivery and one liners evoke plenty of giggles from the audience, making her stand out in the show.
Brooke Vincent, famous for her portrayal of Sophie Webster in ITV’s Coronation Street, plays gobby Amy, girlfriend to shop worker Stuart, played by Benedict Shaw (CH4 Hollyoaks, ITV Emmerdale). The two characters, having just welcomed their baby Daisy, have a lot on their plate. Stuart needs money to keep his family together, and a lottery win could really change their lives—provided Stuart remembers to pay for his part in the syndicate. Their relationship and relatable money struggles add depth to the narrative.
Rosa Coduri-Fulford, from Paramount+ Sexy Beast and ITVX’s Playing Nice, plays Leanne, the loveable shopkeeper and single mum, to her little girl Stacey. Her character’s choice to spend her winnings on new clothes adds a touch of authenticity to the show. William Ilkey, with an impressive acting CV including The Mousetrap, The Full Monty, and War Horse UK Tours, portrays the shop boss Bill, a character whose loyalty and kindness make him the friend everyone wishes they had.
Making his stage debut, Oliver Anthony captivates the audience as Jamie, the younger brother to Stuart. Despite being new to the stage, Anthony, known from BBC1’s The Syndicate (Series 4), delivers a nuanced performance that elicits a range of emotions from the audience, making Jamie one of the most compelling characters in the production.
Together, this talented cast bring a vibrant and entertaining story to life, filled with laughter, heartwarming moments, and relatable struggles. Their collective performances ensure that the show is a winner, offering a perfect blend of comedy and drama that resonates with audiences long after the curtain falls. As I walked back to my car from the show, I heard so many asking that crucial question “what would you do if you won the lottery”?
Maybe once you’ve seen the show, you’ll have some different ideas.
With tickets starting from just £13, you can be a winner, too, by getting yourself a ticket to watch the show. It is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from us at Small House Big Trips.
The Syndicate is at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 29th June before it continues its tour.