Bedroom Farce

Bedroom Farce premièred at The Library Theatre Scarborough in 1975. It was later performed at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London’s West End in 1978 and for numerous years has been one of the favourite Alan Aychbourn plays with amateur societies. The play is set around four couples with the action taking place in three bedrooms.

The older couple Ernest played by Roger Gowland and Delia played by Annette Stocken start the play preparing to go out for an anniversary meal.  They are regulars at the restaurant as they go every year. The characters were delightful throughout the play. Ernest continually referring to the damp patch in the spare bedroom managed to extract every piece of humour from the script. The scenes involving pilchards on toast in bed were particularly well done by both characters.

The remaining six characters were equally well played. Nick played by Rick Allen spent the whole time either in bed or on the bedroom floor having fallen from the bed. Allen was suitably grumpy throughout and mastered facial communication showing his displeasure of what was happening around him telling everyone of his woes.  Jan his wife played by Rachel Alcock gave a solid performance in the scenes with her husband however, in some scenes with her former partner Trevor played by Ollie Heward the actors did look a bit uncomfortable.  

Hannah McBride was suitably neurotic as Susannah married to Trevor. Both characters, causing total chaos everywhere they went, were well played by both actors.

Finally, Malcolm played by Justin Osborne and Kate played by Sophie Jukes. These two actors using strong Birmingham accents probably gained the most laughter. A mixture of games hiding items in the bed and mixed emotions as their party feel to pieces. This was only to be outdone by the collapsing piece of furniture put together by Malcolm the master of DIY.

The set was simple but effective. Each couple’s bedroom represented their personalities. Ernest and Delia traditionally old fashioned, a more modern bedroom for Nick and Jan and then Malcolm and Kate’s room unfinished wallpaper and headboard hanging off. The boundary between the bedrooms was at times shared but this did not affect the production which flowed throughout the evening.

The lighting for this show is critical to move the action on from one bedroom to another. At times, we only briefly visit one room before moving to the next. The lighting was spot on throughout the whole evening. The lights were tightly focused with little spillage between rooms. Low level lighting was particularly good when couples were sleeping. Actors were at times on stage when the action was not taking place within their bedroom. The discipline not to detract the audience attention was good throughout.

Costumes were in keeping with the period. Clothing worn by Rick Allen was to be honest vile but well represented the 1970’s.

A well-presented play appreciated by a full house, if the laughter was anything to go by, in a delightful little theatre. Congratulations to the actors and to the production team on an enjoyable evening.  I look forward to seeing you all again in the future.

Andy Brown

Regional Representative district 12 covering for district 5.

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