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20 July 2026
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5*****
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Neil Simon’s writing is epitomised by witty repartee, by illustrations of relationships and, often, by nostalgia. He mixes comedy and heartache and the ups and downs of life with pure farce. His 1968 play ‘Plaza Suite’ is the writer showcasing all these facets when he was very much at the top of his game.
The three different stories, all set in the same hotel, garnered a pithy comment from Noel Coward who, only a few years before, had written ‘Suite in Three Keys’ which had the same format, suggesting Simon had copied his idea. Whatever the case, the three stories in Plaza Suite are highly contrasting, starting with the longest and most serious, developing into broad comedy and then farce – it is a glorious cocktail and stands the test of time. Only two years after its original production, Ronald Govey added it to the 1970 season at the Manor Pavilion and was repeated 40 years later.
Director, Anton Tweedale has previous with Simon, his production of, the similar, ‘California Suite’ in 2021 was an absolute triumph – he has hit the heights again. Having a real affinity with the material does help a director immeasurably, and a talented cast is always helpful, but Tweedale also knows how to allow the performers to have a freedom on stage and how to manipulate an audience; there are some wonderfully long pauses in the first scene which are pushed to the limit – they are needed, they show an awkwardness in the situation on stage which the audience experience – have the actors forgotten their lines? No, you soon realise that the actors know exactly what they are doing and you are just sharing those uncomfortable moments with the characters. Lightness of touch is so important and here the director knows exactly when to let to words do the work.
In the opening act, Simon, shows a marriage teetering on the edge; it is like watching a car crash in slow motion; in some ways it is quite a difficult watch as Karen Nash  puts a brave face on things as she tries to celebrate her wedding anniversary to Sam in Room 719 at the Plaza Hotel. Stephanie Willson and Jaymes Sygrove create one of the best partnerships on the Sidmouth stage I have seen for a long time. Karen is an ever upbeat but deeply hurt character for whom your heart breaks – Willson is just superb. As the hard-hearted, but vulnerable Sam, Sygrove is astonishingly good; almost unrecognisable in face as well as voice it is a performance of great stature. This pair are simply wonderful. The second play is much lighter with the rekindling of a relationship between Hollywood producer Jesse Kiplinger and former love, Muriel Tate. There is something definitely unsavoury about Jesse’s pursuit of Muriel, but she isn’t going to give in to him easily – is she more interested in the famous people he mixes with? Mack Newton avoids the danger of making Jesse too creepy and predatory just as Katharine Dodds (who provides a starkly contrasting performance as Jean in Act One) ensures that Muriel retains a certain power over her amour, despite her dithering. Both performances are right on the button and the actors spark well against each other, generating plenty of laughs. Bringing the play to a close, a wedding farce with Jaymes Sygrove and Stephanie Willson back as a different husband and wife trying to encourage their daughter to come out of the hotel room bathroom and attend her own wedding which is about to begin. The leading players, once more are tremendous as the deeply frustrated parents with some lovely set pieces and perfect comic timing. Katharine Dodds and Mack Newton each contribute a cameo and Christopher Lyne is a recurring – and rather unimpressed – waiter.
As ensembles go, this is right up there. A wonderfully performed play, costumed with smart appropriateness by Janet Huckle.
Mention of the set design once again in a review may seem repetitive and one can get so used to the quality that you become almost blasé about it. Here is a glorious example of what can be achieved with immense skill and foresight. It is exceptional from any point of view and could be boxed up and unveiled to applause at any theatre in the country – Andrew Beckett, Rhys Cannon and James Prendergast continue to present work of the highest class.
Plaza Suite is a wonderful play and this production does it more than proud. The quality of what is being served up at the Manor Pavilion Theatre to both residents of and visitors to Sidmouth has to be on a level with the best in the UK.
Cast
Bellhop/Jesse/Borden– Mack Newton
Karen/Norma– Stephanie Willson
Sam/Roy – Jaymes Sygrove
Jean/Muriel/Mimsey – Katharine Dodds
Waiter – Christopher Lyne
Creatives
Writer – Neil Simon
Director – Anton Tweedale
Set Design – Andrew Beckett
Costume Designer – Janet Huckle
Lighting Design – Chris Jackson & Will Tippett
Sound Design – James Prendergast
Props Supervisor – James Prendergast
Set Builder – Rhys Cannon
Stage Manager – James Prendergast
Sound/Lighting Operation – James Prendergast
Stage Management Team – Dominic McChesney & Rhys Cannon
Season Producer – Andrew Beckett
Season Patron – Paul Taylor-Mills
Photo Image – Sidmouth Rep
