Di and Viv and Rose premiered at the Vaudeville Theatre on January 22, 2015, following a successful run at the Hampstead Theatre in 2013

Tamzin Outhwaite plays Di. JOHAN PERSSON

GTW attended a viewing in early February at 1930hrs courtesy of made. Seated in AY9/10, the front row offered a straightforward but somewhat restricted view.

A trio of box-shaped Polaroids occupied the stage, rising and falling between scenes to reveal a more spacious setting, alternating between three and four different themes, including the glitz and glamour of New York and nearby King’s Cross Station.

Samantha Spiro plays Viv. JOHAN PERSSON

Penned by Amelia Bullmore and directed by Anna Mackmin, I’d say the final scene was the most passionate, second to the emotive fort scene at “Mossbank.”

Di and Viv and Rose features an intimate cast of three people, which results in a raw performance. Each character endeavours to provide a relatable performance, with character Di (played by Tamzin Outhwaite) the sporty type somewhat struggling with her sexuality, Viv (played by Samantha Spiro) the intellectual and hardworking type, and Rose (played by Jenna Russell) synthetically amusing yet immensely captivating on stage.

I expected to find the initial concept relatable considering my recent break from shared student accommodation, but it was difficult to conceal the fact that older actors played younger characters.

Set in the 1980s, it is easy to spot some historical inaccuracies within the colourful house setting that the characters share, creatively designed by Paul Wills. With this in mind, I wouldn’t consider Di and Viv and Rose a suitable storyline for the stage.

Jenna Russell plays Rose. JOHAN PERSSON

It rather resembled a chick flick, tracing the lives of these three characters from 1983 to 2010. Di and Viv and Rose deals with some concrete issues, which gives weight to an otherwise bland storyline that offers little in regards to mental stimulation. Frequented date stamps between scenes help to provide context.

The actors use the space well and although Tamzin Outhwaite doesn’t have immediate likeability, it’s impossible to criticise her performance during the key emotional scenes.

There’s a gentle moral of appreciation behind the story, with three flawed bowls introduced at the start of the production, later reappearing to represent the three friends.

Despite its lack of convincing action, I’d consider Di and Viv and Rose a loose comedy with a certain sentimentality that some people might be drawn to.

Vaudeville Theatre is somewhat outshone by the Adelphi Theatre – housing Made in Dagenham: The Musical.

Di and Viv and Rose is scheduled to run for a reduced season up to March 2015.

DONT MISS: To book call 0844 482 9675 or reserve seats online at www.tickets.nimaxtheatres.com

Discounted rates are available for groups, with parties of 6+ paying £40 per ticket and parties of 10+ paying £35 per ticket (seated in stalls). School groups cost £19.50 per ticket, with one teacher admitted free.