Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society returned to the Paget Rooms this week with Low Pay? Don’t Pay!, and although I went in knowing only the broad strokes of the plot, I left genuinely impressed by how sharp, funny and unexpectedly powerful this production turned out to be. It’s a play that never quite lets you settle — every time you think you know where the story is heading, it veers off in another direction, keeping the audience on their toes from start to finish.
The story follows two working‑class women who, fed up with rising supermarket prices, join a spontaneous revolt and “liberate” their groceries — setting off a chain of increasingly absurd cover‑ups, misunderstandings and moral dilemmas.
What makes Low Pay? Don’t Pay! so striking is the way it balances farce with fierce political commentary. Dario Fo’s iconic play first performed in the 1974, but its themes of rising costs, workers’ rights and everyday survival feel just as relevant today, if not more so. You find yourself laughing along with the stumbling characters and their quick‑fire exchanges, only to be stopped in your tracks by a monologue that lands with real weight. That contrast is exactly what gives the play its punch.
This production features a smaller cast than some of PODS’ recent shows, but every performer more than earns their place. Sally Mathias leads as Antonia, delivering a layered performance that moves effortlessly between heartfelt sincerity and razor‑sharp comedy. Phill Loveless brings high energy and exasperation to Giovanni, while Laura Day’s Margherita is a delight — grounded, funny and full of heart. Wayne Assiratti’s Luigi adds great energy to the chaos, and Amanda Matthews is a standout, switching between the Sergeant, Inspector, Undertaker and Old Man with hilarious precision. Watching her transform from one character to the next was a highlight in itself.
It’s also worth celebrating that this marks long‑time PODS member Penni Carr’s return to directing after several years — and what a return it is. Her vision keeps the humour tight, the pacing brisk and the political undercurrent clear without ever feeling heavy‑handed. The layered staging worked particularly well, giving the actors room to play while keeping the set simple enough for the performances to shine.
Low Pay? Don’t Pay! is a clever, chaotic and surprisingly resonant piece of theatre, and PODS have delivered a production that captures all of its humour and heart. It’s a reminder of why this group continues to be such a staple of the local arts scene: bold choices, strong performances and a commitment to telling stories that matter.
Low Pay? Don’t Pay! will be at the Paget Rooms until 21st March, so get your tickets here now!
Find out more about PODS and their future productions on their website, Facebook and Instagram.
All photo credits to Neil Davis.
