Stuff by Tom Wells CRE8 Theatre Productions – Gallery Studio Theatre – Stuff by Tom Wells – Saturday 6th June 2026
A Guest Review by Rob Aldous
Stuff by Tom Wells was presented for one night only at The Gallery Studio Theatre in Ipswich by Bury-St-Edmunds based CRE8 Theatre productions, directed by its founder Dan Moore.
The one act play follows a group of friends as they gather to celebrate the birthday of Anita who has had a pretty rough time of late. It’s the idea of Vinny (Ryan Smith) who likes Anita and is hoping to move from the friends zone to something closer. As the play begins, Frankie (Izzie Blair) leaves to collect Anita for her surprise party whilst everyone else tries to brighten up the slightly grubby, but free, local hall.
There is one interloper in the group. Stace’s (Lucy Roper) cousin Dani (Sarah Brodie) who has unexpectedly arrived along with her mother after a marital argument. She doesn’t really want to be there and questions the timing of the party as the reasons for Anita’s bad times are revealed.
The play is well performed and the ensemble cast understand their characters well. However, it could have benefited from more energy as well as excitement amongst friends at the start as they gather. This would have offered some contrast to the later awkwardness as they realise it wasn’t such a good idea. A little more volume from some as well would have been welcome.
The highlight was the touching scene between AJ (Jess Cleverdon) and Nat (Jasmine Nash) as they clear the air after a previous moment of awkwardness and reaffirm their friendship.
All in all, an enjoyable evening and I look forward to seeing these talented performers in future productions.
SUFFOLK THEATRE 