THE 1980s are currently in vogue due to the success of TV shows such as Rivals and Stranger Things, and Rhyl Pavilion is dipping its toe into the decade that style and taste forgot by embracing a touring production of Rita, Sue and Bob Too! An opening trigger warning alerting the audience to the themes and attitudes of the time featured in the production was never more appropriate or welcomed. This served as a comforting reminder that we would be getting a riotous and raw retelling of this 1981 play and cult 1987 movie in all its glory. The play tells the story of Rita and Sue, two working-class girls from a rundown council estate who are about to finish their final year at school.
In their spare time, they earn money babysitting for a married couple, Bob and Michelle. Behind Michelle’s back, Bob embarks on an affair with both Rita and Sue, who take it in turns with him in his car in the countryside. TV favourite Jake Quickenden heads the memorable cast as bed-hoping hunk, Bob, playing him with the necessary fun and frivolity.
The audience were laughing out loud from the opening scene when they got to see more than they were expecting of the former X-Factor, Celebrity SAS ‘Who Dares Wins’, and Dancing on Ice star during a comedic lovemaking scene in the back of a cramped car. This is also when we are introduced to the effervescent and innocent Rita and Sue, played by the sensational Kay Nicholson and the outstanding Jenna Sian O’Hara. The schoolgirl’s love-hate frie.
