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BURNLEY EXPRESS REVIEW

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Last Post: Thursday 26th March 2026

BY DOMINIC COLLIS - ROSSENDALE PLAYERS DELIVER WARMTH AND WIT IN 'A MONTH OF SUNDAYS'. The Rossendale Players’ latest production at the New Millennium Theatre in Waterfoot offers a touching and gently humorous portrayal of later life with Bob Larbey’s bittersweet comedy, A Month of Sundays. Set in a residential care home, the play centres on Cooper, played with charm and vitality by Simon Pierce. Refusing to surrender to the constraints of ageing, Cooper remains full of mischief, spirit and sharp humour, bringing both laughter and poignancy in equal measure. Simon captures the character’s resilience beautifully, ensuring the audience is always rooting for him. It is a superb performance from the veteran actor who returns to the Players stage after an absence of eight years – ironic as he rarely leaves the stage throughout this production, such is his charcater’s central role. Simon was word perfect and truly magnificent, managing to elicit laughter, understanding and probably even a few tears from the audience. Opposite him, Jim Rowe gives a measured and compassionate performance as Aylott, fellow resident and close friend who shares a love of cricket. His sensitive portrayal provides a steady counterbalance to Cooper’s rebellious streak, and the interplay between the two is one of the production’s highlights. Particularly delightful is their shared obsession with recalling the elusive 11th player from a long-ago cricket team listed in Wisden – a running thread that is both comical and quietly revealing, capturing memory, nostalgia and the small but meaningful fixations that shape their days. The supporting cast adds depth and warmth throughout. Cassie Hardman is engaging as Nurse Wilson, bringing both kindness and quiet authority to the role. Comic relief comes in the form of husband and wife Julia and Peter – Faye Morgan’s Julia is heartfelt and sincere, while Ranvia Bahia offers a humorous turn as Peter. Kathryn Lewis also impresses as staff member Mrs Baker, contributing to the believable and lived-in feel of the care home setting. Under the assured direction of Dawn Rowe, wife of Jim, the production strikes just the right balance between humour and emotion. Dawn, familiar to audience regulars from her on-stage performances, was helming her third production for the Players, after stepping in when original director Andrew Husband had to step out. Larbey’s script is rich with witty observations, but it is the underlying humanity that resonates most strongly here. The Rossendale Players handle these tonal shifts with confidence, allowing the comedy to shine while never losing sight of the play’s more poignant themes. This is a warm, funny and ultimately moving production that captures the dignity, frustrations and enduring spirit of growing older. The audience was left both smiling and reflective – a testament to the strength of the performances and the sensitivity of the direction.