Sheila’s Island, Lyndhurst Drama and Musical Society, Vernon Theatre

A SHARP and hilarious comedy about four women stranded on a remote island will be on stage in Lyndhurst later this month.

Sheila’s Island, by Tim Firth, is billed as a darkly comedic adventure that’s part survival story, part comedy disaster. Set in the Lake District, the story follows four women on a team-building exercise, during a company away day, get into difficulties in a rowing boat and manage to scramble onto a small island. Their predicament lays bare both their strengths and weaknesses as they cope with an unexpected overnight stay out in the open.

Team Leader Sheila (Di Buck) tries to jolly everyone along with her cheerful ‘Girl Guide’ approach, while Denise (Sarah Short) does her utmost to upset everyone with her constant complaining and acerbic tongue. Julie (Cally Van de Pau) has all the kit and is enthusiastically prepared for anything until Denise’s cruel observation about her marriage rocks her self-belief.

Fay (Ingrid Bond), a gentle soul who has been emotionally wounded and only recently returned to work, finds strength in her religion and her love of nature. Still, Denise sees her vulnerability as fair game.

Director Stevie Parker said: ”When a team-building exercise for four middle-aged women goes spectacularly wrong, friendships are tested, secrets unravel, and the fight for survival takes a brilliantly absurd turn.

“Tim Firth’s extremely clever dialogue provides wit and pathos from start to finish.

“The cast could not be better in their roles, and rehearsals are going brilliantly.”

Lyndhurst Drama and Musical Society will perform Sheila’s Island at the village’s Vernon Theatre from 24th to 26th April. For full details and bookings visit lyndhurstdrama.co.uk