Review by Jayne Skudder 30th September 2021
Peaches performed by Selina Helliwell
Cherry performed by Mary Taylor
My Live theatre experience of the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival was brought to a halt, when Covid descended on our household but the digital events programme entered my home and ‘Fruit Salad’ certainly lived up to expectations, showing versatility in the face of the pandemic…
Striking the perfect balance between comedy and drama, Fruit Salad follows the themes of friendship, grappling for identity and just learning to love yourself. Well paced and funny, this gritty northern play- exploring what is to be a young woman in modern society today- centres around the local pub, which is created using three tables, introducing props like wine bottles, glasses, mobile phones, which are used naturally and effectively throughout.
Peaches and Cherry, united by fruit names and so much more, meet in their favourite local pub, with their whole lives ahead of them, they gossip about their latest crushes- Johnny the bartender, Peaches’ obsession with Tommy- much to Cherry’s disgust. Characterisation is finely tuned from the off and we see initial contrasts between the two friends- Peaches seeking external approval, as opposed to Cherry who seems more self assured, full of advice, steering away from the materialistic. This was highlighted really well when Cherry asked if Peaches’ boyfriend was nice to her and she replied ‘He’s got tattoos all the way up his arms…’. It was one of many comedy moments exploring a serious message- it’s not all about aesthetics and someone telling you look beautiful. The onstage rapport and chemistry between actors Selina and Mary held real depth and truth, both playing their parts with natural ease throughout, with just the right amount of movement and expression to bring their believable characters to life.
Spanning over three or four years, we witness the ups and downs of our dynamic duo, we care for them; relate to their situations. Both show vulnerability and strength in their own unique ways and we feel they both have a hard time adjusting to student life. Peaches seems to solve it with alcohol and an endless stream of unsuitable men, Cherry looking for more of a soul mate, hooks up with a girl called Sarah but does not wish to be labelled a lesbian, she still fancies Johnny- she’s attracted to personalities.
Lighting sound and multi camera effects contribute to a successful digital viewing experience. Passing of time was shown through a ticking sound effect, close ups of glasses, music and changes of clothes. We feel like we are with them in the noisy club and outside where Peaches and Cherry finally come to blows. Peaches has spiraled out of control and is being abused by her latest fling but is she ready to listen to her judgmental friend, who always seems so together?
Mirroring the beginning, Peaches warns that words are toxic and once they’re out there, there’s no going back.
Fruit Salad is an entertaining, well performed piece, offering a cocktail of life, lots of laughs, with a real message to think about.