The Syndicate

The Alexandra Theatre

Birmingham

25th - 29th June 2024

Jass Productions and Rollem Productions in association with Jas Theatricals present Kay Mellor’s ‘The Syndicate,’ starring Samantha Giles and Brooke Vincent and directed by Gaynor Faye.

‘The Syndicate’ is a stage play by Kay Mellor that centres around a group of supermarket employees who form a lottery syndicate. Their lives are turned upside down when they win a substantial jackpot, thrusting them into a world of newfound wealth and its accompanying challenges. Each member of the syndicate faces unique personal dilemmas and moral quandaries as their fortunes change. The play delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the true value of money, offering a poignant and often humorous exploration of how sudden riches can impact ordinary lives. Mellor's storytelling weaves together the characters' diverse backgrounds and ambitions, creating a rich tapestry of human emotion and experience.

Kay Mellor's stage play ‘The Syndicate’ explores several key moral themes, particularly focusing on the impact of sudden wealth on individuals and their relationships. The play delves into ‘Greed and Generosity,’ the characters' responses to their windfall reveal the dual nature of money's influence. While some become consumed by greed, others find opportunities to be more generous and supportive of those around them. ‘Integrity and Betrayal’ and the sudden wealth tests the characters' moral integrity. Alliances are formed and broken, revealing the true nature of each individual. Trust is a central theme, as the characters navigate the fine line between loyalty and betrayal. ‘Happiness and Materialism,’ Mellor questions whether money can truly buy happiness. The characters' journeys suggest that while financial stability can alleviate certain stresses, it does not automatically lead to fulfillment or solve deeper personal issues. ‘Community and Individualism’ the play examines the balance between communal bonds and individual desires. The syndicate members must navigate their shared success while also pursuing personal dreams, highlighting the tension between collective and personal interests. ‘Consequences of Choices,’ ‘The Syndicate’ underscores the idea that every choice has consequences. The characters' decisions regarding their newfound wealth lead to a range of outcomes, emphasizing the importance of making thoughtful and ethical choices.

Through these themes, Mellor's play offers a nuanced reflection on how money influences human behavior and the inherent values that guide our actions in times of prosperity and challenge.

In Kay Mellor's stage play ‘The Syndicate,’ it contains scenes of drug abuse references, depictions of violence, use of weapons, strong language and the use of flashing lights and haze/smoke. The stage set, lighting, and costumes play a crucial role in bringing the narrative to life and enhancing the thematic elements. The set design for ‘The Syndicate’ reflects the everyday world of the supermarket employees and their shift to a more affluent lifestyle after winning the lottery. Initially, the set includes realistic, detailed representations of a supermarket's office room and sales area, providing a familiar and relatable backdrop. After the lottery win, the set transitions to more opulent settings, showcasing the characters' new, lavish environments. These changes in the set design effectively highlight the stark contrast between the characters' former and current lives. The lighting in ‘The Syndicate’ is used to underscore the emotional and narrative shifts throughout the play. In the earlier scenes, lighting is more subdued and utilitarian, reflecting the mundane reality of the characters' daily lives. As the story progresses and the characters experience their windfall, the lighting becomes brighter and more dynamic, symbolizing the excitement and chaos of their newfound wealth. Additionally, strategic use of spotlights and colour changes helps to emphasize moments of personal revelation and moral conflict, guiding the audience's focus and enhancing the dramatic tension. The costumes in ‘The Syndicate’ are key in illustrating the characters' transformations and personalities. Initially, the characters are dressed in practical, modest clothing typical of supermarket employees—uniforms, casual wear, etc. After winning the lottery, their costumes evolve to reflect their increased wealth, with some characters opting for designer clothes, flashy accessories, and more extravagant styles. These costume changes not only signify their change in status but also highlight their individual responses to wealth, from those who embrace luxury to those who struggle with their new identity.

Overall, the stage set, lighting, and costumes in ‘The Syndicate’ are meticulously designed to support the play's narrative arc, emphasizing the dramatic changes in the characters' lives and underscoring the play's themes of wealth, morality, and personal transformation.

Kay Mellor's stage play ‘The Syndicate’ features a rich ensemble of characters, each with their own distinct personalities, challenges, and dreams. With a wealth of acting experience treading the boards it was disappointing to see many empty seats; however disappointing this was, it unfortunate that it clashed with England’s Euro 2024 football match.

Each character, Denise (Samantha Giles), Amy (Brooke Vincent), Jamie (Oliver Anthony), Leanne (Rosa Coduri-Fulford), Kay (Jade Golding), Bob (William Ilkley), Newall (Jerome Ngonadi) and Stuart (Benedict Shaw) brings a unique perspective to the story, contributing to the play's exploration of how sudden wealth impacts individuals differently. Their interactions and personal journeys provide a nuanced look at themes of greed, generosity, integrity, and the true meaning of happiness.

‘The Syndicate’ is currently showing at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday. Tickets and further information can be found at www.atg.com