HOME, I'M DARLING

What a thought-provoking play – with some good honest comedy moments, around a well-written script.

A lot of attention was paid to getting the era right, i.e. the fantasy world of the 1950s, alongside current times, with excellent props and furniture. 

The music was particularly in keeping with the 50s era, and related well to the scenes that had gone before.

I loved the fact that real food was used – and that everyone ate and drank properly, the mashed potato was a good instance.

Costumes were mostly good, I particularly liked Judy’s lovely dresses, so pretty and very 50’s, I also thought Sylvia and Alex looked very good in their more modern day outfits.

The pace of dialogue was maintained throughout, and the setting of the four different parts of the house on the single stage was good, the kitchen especially brought back memories!

It took a while to equate the fact that it was set in modern times, with only Judy and Johnny living in the 50’s, but once that had been established everything was clear.

Abigail Giles was an endearing Judy, defying anyone to doubt that her aim in life was to be a true 1950’s housewife, with all that it entailed, so no wonder she got into a bit of a quandary.  Nicely played, and some very good scenes between Judy and the other characters, I was very taken with Judy’s relationship and scenes with Sylvia, her mum. 

Clair Graham as Judy’s mother was feisty and firm when dealing with her daughter, I particularly loved her facial expressions in the scene when she was sat on the settee…..excellent portrayal.

Kirsten Lester played Alex (Johnny’s supposed outside interest), with all the requirements of a go-getter, again great facial expressions when confronted by Judy’s accusation that she was having an affair with Johnny – you could really sense her disbelief and disgust!

Clare Waller was Fran, Judy’s friend who’s prone to saying what she thinks – some very telling moments, nicely done.

Lloyd Bonson played Johnny, Judy’s erstwhile husband, a rather gentle person, who developed a crush on Alex.  Lloyd acted the part well, and I felt rather sorry for him trying to hold his own against two strong women – his wife and his boss, which made his anger more telling.

Malcolm Coakley was Marcus, Fran’s wayward husband, who appeared fine to start with, and was then revealed as a predator, when he was accused of harassment by his PA.  I enjoyed the scene when he tried to force himself (very gently) on Judy, but got knocked back.

All in all an amusing play, with some good performances, and some telling references that brought back memories!

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