Home I'm Darling

You can always tell by the style of the set, props and outfits the year or era being portrayed. In this case, it’s the 1950’s and we have a picture-perfect middle-class home complete with an impeccably dressed housewife, all as portrayed in the magazines of the time. It was clear that the set designers and wardrobe department had thoroughly researched this production, under the skilful direction of Sara Betts. 

This is the home of Judy and her husband Johnny. We watch Judy preparing Johnny’s breakfast, waving him off to work and then doing chores around the house as was typical during the 1950’s. It is only when she suddenly brings out a laptop and the story unfolds does it become clear that the action is set in the present day.

Judy is obviously living in a 1950’s fantasy world having given up her career to become the perfect housewife, at the same time dragging her somewhat reluctant husband into the fantasy with her. Their close friends Fran and Marcus think she is wasting her life away and not making things easy for Johnny, especially at work,  while Judy’s mother, Sylvia, tells her to live in the real world and that the 1950’s were not always as the magazines depicted.

After a few years Johnny decided that enough was enough, promotion at work was passing him by and they were getting into debt thanks to Judy’s over-spending. This led to many arguments and misunderstandings such as accusations that he was having an affair with a work colleague. As the storyline progressed, we watched a roller coaster ride of raw emotions; Judy will not give in and loves her lifestyle, while Johnny is talking of leaving home.

The experienced cast of six actors delivered impressive performances, breathing life into their characters. They worked seamlessly together to present a complex, challenging and thought-provoking script with expertise, good clarity of speech, great characterisation and facial expressions.

Debbie Munro performance as Judy, was first-class; the only time she left the stage was to change into one of her numerous outfits (I loved them all). Copious amounts of dialogue were delivered perfectly with good diction, body language and facial expressions to match the situation. Equally, Daniel Roberts gave a powerful performance as her husband Johnny and these two actors worked very well together as man and wife.

A good performance from Jeanette Roberts as Fran, Judy’s best friend. Fran had enough problems of her own as her husband Marcus had been accused of inappropriate behaviour at work, leading to disagreements. Ian Brady also delivered a good  performance as Marcus; his dancing was quite good as well.

After many arguments Sylvia, Judy’s mother, delivered a lengthy dialogue telling her how tough life was in the 1950’s and not a bed of roses.  – a very imposing performance by Erica Leach.

Judy, desperate for Johnny to be promoted, invites his boss, Alex, to their home for cocktails. However, Alex is uncomfortable in the 1950’s style and this does not help Johnny in getting that promotion Annabel Shirley performance as the confident Alex, was excellent.

After many arguments, Johnny tries to persuade Judy that they cannot continue to live this way, and something must change. That change came when Alex finally offered Johnny the promotion that he always wanted and Judy finally agreed to go back to work and live for today. Maybe a quick visit back to the 1950’s now and then?

This is a very challenging play and not easy to produce. To make it a success takes hours of rehearsals not only from the cast and production team but also from the stage crew. The crew worked effortlessly coping with the countless scene and costume changes and where food and drink had to be replaced, all of which was achieved.

It is always a pleasure to come and watch Dronfield Players and congratulations to everyone involved with this very good production. Thank you for the invitation and a enjoyable and entertaining evening.

Sue Cox  NODA Drama Rep  N.E Region 14

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