It’s raining. Two men argue on a Cuban beach amid the turmoil of Cuban President Fidel Castro's death and the tail-end of a hurricane. The argument? About two women – Emily (Julia Burchell), wife of journalist Jeremy (Guy Unsworth), and Delores (Lara Lopez), lover of ex-policeman George (Keith Flood). An unrepentant Jeremy leaves George on the shore trying to piece together the events that lead to the situation he now finds himself in.

It starts with George and Emily meeting - in true Brit style the topic of conversation beginss about the weather. They have a lot in common despite their age difference. Because Emily's husband is rushing off here, there and everywhere, George becomes her companion for tours, dinner and the ballet. Their relationship is platonic, and Emily sees George as a kindly uncle. Jeremy starts to become suspicious, even though he had asked George to keep his wife company while he researches for his book about Castro. George has a relationship with his chambermaid Delores (Lara Lopez), who he meets in a locals' bar. To get his own back on both his wife and George for their supposed affair, Jeremy sleeps with Delores and pays her. George on the other hand treats her with respect and kindness, offering a lifestyle she could never afford. Is Delores the whore that the journalist makes her out to be, or is she trying to escape to a better life?

Guy Unsworth plays antagonistic Jeremy with a quiet self-confidence. Julia Burchell is a perfect foil as bored housewife Emily, who wants more from her husband than the occasional fumble. Keith Flood's performance is angst-ridden as the hopelessly-in-love and lonely George. Lara Lopez gives Delores a sexy and calm voice which adds to the character's charm - as someone unassuming, who doesn’t demand anything from George, except at the end, when she tells him the truth.

Sex for Shampoo is well-written and directed by Owen Phillips, and the cast all offer strong performances. The play is a story of relationships formed in an exotic setting - friendships which are exciting and mysterious, dangerous, disastrous. It is funny, poignant - and a lesson that all that glisters is not gold.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Julia Burchell – Emily. Keith Flood – George. Lara Lopez – Delores. Guy Unsworth – Jeremy.

Company Credits: Writer - Owen Phillips. Director - Owen Phillips. Lighting Designer - Amanda Kerstein. Original score by - Nanny Ogg Productions. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - Ribcaged Productions. www.ribcaged.co.uk

END

(c) Lea Harris 2007

reviewed Monday 13 August 07 / Sweet

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008