Doughnut Drive – A Sharp, Fast, Female‑Led Comedy Crime Thriller

A joyous twisty fun and exciting comedy crime thriller – absolutely recommended  

⭐⭐⭐⭐ and a half

Running time 1 hour 

Finella Waddilove (Yaz) and Sarah Parkins as Bex

Written, directed and performed by Finella Waddilove (Yaz) and Sarah Parkins as Bex, this two hander is a tightly written one-hour roller coaster thriller ride of comedy, pathos with plenty of twists and turns to keep you gripped until the very end.

Bex is still recovering from her father's death and stepping up take over the family car dealership. She is fully supported by her best friend, Yaz, who is obsessed with film club and doughnuts reflect on their shared past, mental health and grief before Bex breaks her driving ban leading to deadly consequences. From there events spiral into a very funny and frantic final act.

There is bountiful chemistry between the two of them, (think of a female Billericay Ant and Dec), they are both likable, believable, don't take themselves too seriously with excellent acting from both. There is plenty of humour along the way, with numerous film references, and as things become increasingly chaotic and anxious, you find yourself rooting for them both to succeed.

The music and lighting are extremely well done, enhancing the play like a film, especially as props and staging are minimal.

It's rare but refreshing to see a women led comedy crime thriller (in the vein of Hot Fuzz or any of Guy Richie’s output) and this stands up very well.

I would recommend this and look forward to these talented women's next project.