Frank and Dolly is the story of a seemingly mismatched gay couple forced to examine their relationship, following an unfortunate incident at a ballroom dancing competition, when a combination of nerves and some dodgy fish, lead to Frank being sick on Dolly’s dress in the middle of their routine.
The set is simple, with a door splitting the stage in two and keeping both actors separated, as shy oddball Frank hides from Dolly’s wrath in a broom cupboard. The fact that the two actors aren’t able to see each other for the entire show makes their performances all the more impressive, and they switch between hilarity and sadness with the ease of professionals. The script is sharp and contains some very moving lines, and both, Dillie Keane and Lizzie Holpey, deliver them in a realistic and touching way. By the end of the play you really believe in both characters – bold and brash Dolly with her long-held dream of dancing into the sunset, nervous and bumbling Frank who longs to dance with her: and you find yourself hoping they can work things out.
Although not on at the most accessible of times, unless you’re lucky enough to not have to work during the day, this is a little gem of a show definitely worth catching.
4/5
Kelly Mauchlen
