Originally published by L.S. Media. February 3rd 2012.

L.S. Media Rating ****

Cast: Glenn Adamson, Jamie Barnard, Michael Fletcher, Joshua Meredith, Hayley Clarke.

Douglas Irvine’s 2008 tour de force Departure Lounge has to go down as one of the best musical comedies to have graced the Unity Theatre ever! Its premise of four lads embarking on a final fling of youth in Spain before heading off to University will resonate with those who went down the same wonderful and somewhat reckless path and greatly amuse those that didn’t.

It might, after the first couple of minutes, make you wonder if your parents, grandparents or anyone, say over the age of 30 is comfortable with the dialogue and frank discussion and alcohol induced memories of Brits abroad but don’t worry. You just stay concerned about your evening and continue to enjoy; because your nan is laughing her head off harder than you ever will at the songs and behaviour of these four post A-Level lads!

As the audience meanders through the Unity Theatre doors, the production already seems to have started, although there is no obvious signs of action that relates to the production, the four actors were mucking around, playing with a blow up football and generally doing their best to stave off the obvious boredom of waiting for their plane to take them home. For the next 80 minutes the lads’ relationship starts to go off kilter and disintegrate around them as the sudden realisation that childhood is actually now over.

The four guys were played superbly, professionally and amazingly by Glenn Adamson, Jamie Barnard, Michael Fletcher and Joshua Meredith and joined by the wonderful and engaging Hayley Clarke as the object of desire Sophie. In all the boys memories she represented something other than what she had been on holiday. The power of Douglas Irvine’s writing was much in evidence as she came across as this bringer of truth, a guide to see what you really are. This in itself was brilliant writing and must be applauded.

This was such a wonderfully funny, heart breaking, euphoric and thought provoking play that it really was a shame to finish it after only 80 minutes. However 80 minutes is a fantastically long time when you’re enjoying yourself so much!

Ian D. Hall