Lucky Sods at Hull Truck Theatre; Review. July 22nd to August 7th

A satirical at times delicate and poignant comedy Lucky Sods written and directed by John Godber arrives back at Hull Truck after its UK tour, and following Fridays moving and delicately humorous performance will be drawing people in.

Husband Morris, played by Robert Hudson’s masterly sense of resigned ‘ordinariness’ and wife Jean played feisty by Jacqueline Naylor are sitting on the sofa watching ‘Come Dancing’ and preparing for the lottery, a ritual played out every week. Between them is spirited argumentative banter tinged with regrets and what might have been, that reveals both the depth and length of their relationship. And then it happens- they win the lottery, and their luck keeps coming!

Fiona Wass, Robert Hudson and Jacky Naylor. Photo by Ian Tilton

Enter brother in Law Norman played with naive innocence by James Weaver and Sister Connie portrayed Jealous and envious by Fiona Wass.  Sudden wealth opens up new possibilities- to explore dreams and paths in life; to break patterns. Morris explores past opportunities, and links up with his previous girlfriend Annie played by Fiona Wass as a gratuitous vamping opportunist. Fiona Wass took a triple part playing mother too!   But for Morris was the real treasure always at hand and what happens when luck finally runs out?

Jacky Naylor and James Weaver. Photo by Ian Tilton.

In the first half the action takes place in the house and in the second is set outside; in both the set design by Pip Leckenby and lighting by Graham Kirk is simple and effective in supporting the story and Samantha Robinson’s inconspicuous but appropriate costume design works well.
From the beginning the cast are immediately believable and the audience is drawn into the unfolding action responding with laughter and applause as they are taken finally to the story’s surprising, but satisfying, ending.

Fiona Wass and Robert Hudson. Photo by Ian Tilton

Lucky Sods is a good story, a poignantly funny comedy with a keen sense of human frailty and ordinariness. This play tackles delicate elements of human relationships desires and emotions; exploring satirically the balance between luck, chance and fate.

I enjoyed this funny and thoughtful play and emerged from the Hull Truck Theatre thankful of my own luck. It’s a play not to miss.

Review by Andrew Sugden.

Tickets and more information can be found
 Here hulltruck.co.uk