April in Paris

Carlton Players  

April in Paris Review

4th February 2022

This hilarious romantic adventure, featuring John Godber’s unique brand of observational comedy, was nominated Comedy of the Year in the Olivier Awards in 1992.

April in Paris is unashamedly a feel good piece, with the predictable happy ending a welcome antidote to the pandemic blues.

The story follows a couple, Al (Mike Sanders) and Bet (Gemma Knox) who live in a run down, small house in Northern England. Al lives with his wife Bet; their relationship has become routine, mundane and unexciting through years and years of personal and financial struggle.

Al is out of work and restlessly rattling around the house unable to afford to take his wife on a decent day out. His only escape is his shed where he goes to indulge his love of art as he is teaching himself to paint. Bet entertains herself by entering numerous competitions in women’s magazines. Both are very dismissive of each other’s pastimes. But things are about to change when Bet finds out she has finally won a competition for a romantic trip to Paris, the City of Love. Al’s initial response was to find out ‘what’s the catch?  He then asks who she is taking with her, suggesting a girlfriend Rita.  Neither has been abroad, or has a passport, Bet is resigned to taking her husband, and acquires a French phrase book. They are off to Paris on an all expenses overnight stay.

Director David Tolcher and Stage Manager Pam Buckle have kept the set minimal yet clever, with visual backdrops of Paris, praise to set builders Paige & Les West & Steve Jones. All ably supported by sound (Steve Youster) lighting (Brian Williamson). Most scenes are created simply by moving a pair of chairs from one area of the stage to another and yet this is highly effective at keeping the focus on Al and Bet throughout. Underneath the humorous spats lies a love and familiarity, by the end of the hour and thirty minute performance the audience has a genuine affection for the couple.

Al is convinced to go and they begin their journey to Paris. And what a journey it is. The concept of Brits abroad was a joy to behold, as these two charming characters travel on the overnight ferry, where Gemma dances the night away in the disco. Al watches her at a distance but does not join her. Gemma returns to Al only to be violently sea sick: a marvellous scene. Well done Gemma.  From the pronunciation of famous monuments, a struggle with French cuisine, to their climbing of the Eiffel Tower and their skirmish with muggers when riding the Metro late at night, Al and Bet are joyous to watch.  Al’s descriptive appreciation of The Mona Lisa on their visit to the Louvre is a particularly sensitive scene. Well done Mike.

Paris actually reignites their relationship as never before, but the reality of returning home looms large…their experience of another way of life raises a lot of lifestyle questions, with both not wanting to return home.  Yet go home they must.

We leave them both sitting at home completing a magazine competition for a all expenses holiday to Mexico.Travel will bring prople together.

The audience are treated to a very real, very honest and very funny evening, led tremendously by the performances of Mike and Gemma. Almost every line was filled with raw wit and humour; it’s worth mentioning that the chemistry between these two actors is at the heart of this play, both deserve an honoured mention. The pace of the piece was spot on, time just flew by.

Thank you for a truly brilliant evenings entertainment.

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

 

 

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