York Shakespeare Project’s Summer Sonnets are back at Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate until 15 August. The performance includes 10 sonnets woven around the theme of a tennis club, so expect rivalry, competition, love matches and scenes of ‘triumph and disaster’ if you decide to head and along to the show.

Review by Angie Millard

Photos by John Saunders

Rosie Rowley and Stuart Green have created and directed this enjoyable 10th show using a hard working ensemble cast, many of whom are new to performing. The script works well using an upstage ‘Anyone for tennis?’ style, which allows some dreadful puns and sets the tone for a scramble to achieve the unlikely goal of an amateurs match at Wimbledon.

The sonnets are fitted in seamlessly. I was particularly impressed by Sarah McKeagney’s portrayal of Vic, a newcomer to the Goodramgate Tennis Club. She emerges as a rescuer and finally dodges a ban from playing men’s doubles by divulging that she is non-binary. Her thoughtful rendition of Sonnet 29, When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes, was delightful and contrasted beautifully with Effie Warboys stagey performance as the spoilt brat – What is your substance, whereof are you made. 

There are other bright spots included, such as the Stuart Lindsay and Jamie McKeller mime of a tennis match, Helen Clarke and Christine Bramwell representing the solid supporters any club needs, and Alexa Williams – who’s role is to be a doormat for her selfish friend. Oscar Langford convinces as a rising star and adds a touch of glamour while his partner James Robert Ball explains his supporting role perfectly in the sonnet, As a decrepit father takes delight.

There are sneaky tricks, successes and disappointments, but Alan Sharpe as the long suffering groundsperson (who intersperses the text with Shakespearean tennis quotations) ends the show with an apposite well presented piece titled Let those who are in favour with their stars.

I’ll drink a lemon barley to that!