One for the Road

This cleverly written comedy by Willy Russell, explores the quiet desperation and simmering tensions beneath suburban respectability. Set in a seemingly English neighbourhood, the story follows Dennis as he grapples with a looming midlife crisis, nosey neighbours and the relentless monotony of routine. Reaching a breaking point on his landmark birthday party he packs a rucksack to make his escape, but everyone wants to accompany him and he sinks down in front of the television defeated. But there is always next year… and the year after.

The action takes place in the dining / living room of Dennis (Chris Kay) and Pauline’s (Shelly Blackmore) home. An impressive set included two doors, leading to the front entrance and kitchen and a hatch from the kitchen through which some well- timed dialogue was projected, appropriate furniture and an authentic opening window, used to great effect.

The table is set for a meal with friends and Dennis’ mum and dad are also expected. Pauline tends to rant about John their 7-year-old son, who has picked up some fruity language from other local youngsters. This makes little impression on Dennis who reminisces about his days travelling with his rucksack and he also likes writing poetry.  We do not meet his mum and dad, for they are constantly ringing because they can never remember exactly where they live. When close neighbours Jane (Hannah Danby) and Roger (Stefan Austin) arrive, they have a problem as their garden has been defiled – cabbages and cucumbers have taken on a rather sexual look!

Initially, I thought Pauline and Jane’s dialogue was rather quiet, but they were soon equals to Dennis and Roger as tensions rose and the pace increased. The standard of acting from all four was excellent, natural and convincing and never far from many laugh-out loud moments. The friends suspect that all is not well with Dennis and when on their own Jane suggests to Pauline it might be something to do with his sex life. Why does Dennis keep his bureau locked? Jane goes to break it open with a heavy sledgehammer, loses her grip and it falls back and breaks the dining table in two.

More calls from mum and dad, it all gets too much for Dennis who temporally leaves with his rucksack, Roger announces someone has been painting his lawn and the cottage pie for their meal is burnt. The effects of smoke in the kitchen and from the pie dish are spot on. A great crescendo to close Act 1.

Over a resulting Chinese takeaway, Dennis exclaims he hates tupperwear and describes how he became ‘Tupperware Man’ which was very funny. Dennis does not want to go back to Spain again for a holiday and would rather go to India or China. It all starts to get too much for him again and takes  some records outside, including the John Denver record that Jane and Roger have given him, and plays frisbee with them, one of which ruins Roger’s greenhouse!

There were several other discussions between the different partners, exploring sex and their indiscretions and eventually and surprisingly the friends like the idea of leaving the world behind them and want to break away, with Dennis. Amongst the action, the locked bureau comes adrift and out fall cans of spray paints – which suggests Dennis is the garden molester! Eventually Dennis decides he will not get away … but maybe in another year or so.

All these twists and turns were well directed by Richard Taylor, another great set and an excellent standard of acting. Congratulations to all involved.  

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