Review Sign Of The Times

Tompkinson brings the right mixture of comedy and pathos to the role of the pedantic Frank, who has spent more than 25 years erecting giant illuminated letters on the sides of buildings while dreaming of becoming a thriller writer.

The truth that his ambitions will never be realised hits home when he tries to teach the job to Alan, a sullen hoodie on work experience.

Tom Shaw, as Alan, is an excellent foil for Tompkinson and the two exchange some witty repartee as their relationship develops 60 foot up on a roof top.

Alan, also unfulfilled as an artist and musician, at first seems to be slow to connect, but it is he who realises that the letters they are to put up spell 'For Sale' and that Frank is about to be made redundant.

Frank is given a lesson by his apprentice and ironically their roles are reversed in the second act when Alan tries to teach his old boss how to be a salesman. Frank only succeeds in setting a toaster alight, causing a fire emergency, and the two of them become trapped in an illuminated circle.

Tim Firth, the writer of Calendar Girls, has come up with a humorous, meaningful script, but, as with most two-handers, there is inevitably the odd lull when the pace slackens.

Review written by Tony Flood.

Sign Of The Times

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

Until Saturday April 25th