Rob Ricards and the 356 Company strike again with another play! This one entitled ‘Five Lives and a Cake,’ performed recently at the Ministry for Gozo. It was the premiere production written by the director. A beautifully directed comedy, with an all-female cast who portrayed a family brought together by a birthday of the unseen husband and father.

This is the fourth play the 356 Company performed at the ministry where they transform the halls to suit their purpose. The founders of the 356 company, Rob Ricards and Sue Scantlebury, are both professional actors who aim to keep the standard of any show high and they succeeded once more. This time the stage was elevated and was set as a kitchen with a wooden kitchen counter on the left and a table with four chairs and a stool on the right. The audience was seated in a semi-circle, with a passage through the middle, the seats at the back were put on a platform to optimise the view of the stage. The play was split into two acts, the first act was a series of monologues tied together with a song. The second act was the action filled play were all five characters came together. Having the monologues in the first act allowed the audience to get to know and understand each character individually. This was to the advantage of the second act as all the different personalities combined. In the end one of the spectators said, “My mascara is running from laughing too much!”

As the lights went out the actors walked through the audience, onto the stage and behind a big black curtain to the backstage. Gabriella Azzopardi was our minstrel for the night who only performed in the first act. A spotlight shone on her as she sang and faded away as the actors walked on stage. Clara Sciberras who starred as Amy, spoke first, showing us the true character of a 13 year old. Throughout the cheeky monologue we understand her personality and although she might be cute she is cunning. Cassie Grech, who played Clare, was next and she portrayed an 18 year old in today’s world. It was a warning to adults to let teenagers live, the teens are there for rebellion and she left us wondering whether she was a rebel herself. These two youngest stars are the new recruits of the 356 Company.