Review: Sean And Daro Flake It 'Til They Make It

Sean is back home for his mum's funeral. Grieving and having dropped out of uni, he has no idea what to do with himself. Enter old pal Daro, unemployed and directionless, but brimming with confidence, self-described 'business acumen', and plenty of ridiculous ideas. Knowing Sean is newly-minted having inherited his mum's flat, Daro asks if he'd be interested in investing in a secondhand ice cream van. This could be the new start for Sean, and an income that Daro desperately needs.

The scenario is ripe for plenty of situational comedy given the challenges of running a business, though Laurie Motherwell's excellent script exploits this and more. The lads' friendship has unresolved issues that emerge when they're working together, and Sean is still working through the loss of his mother. In particular, both characters struggle with their perceptions of uni and how Sean has or hasn't changed since he's been away. These topics, combined with colourful Scottish banter, generate humour, pathos, and plenty of ice cream-related arguments. 

Cameron Fulton plays Daro with heaps of vim and vigour. His enthusiasm is infectious even though he's unmistakably daft. Sean Connor as Sean is far more sensible, but struggles to say no to Daro. They're a solid double act, reminiscent of the buddy film genre. Director Robert Softley Gale effectively harnesses their contrasting energies, paces the action and incorporates the joyfully realistic ice cream van set by Karen Tennent. Overall, it's a slick production of a polished play.