Relatively Speaking

This play, set in the 60’s, is a comedy of misunderstandings and mistaken identity, with no one quite saying what they mean whilst others make assumptions that prove to be wrong.  It is a complicated plot but hilarious for the audience as the scenes unfold.

There was a very detailed set which was well thought out to include the younger couple’s bedsit on the raised stage area of the theatre and the garden of the older couple laid out on artificial grass in the centre. The numerous props gave a lovely homely and slightly chaotic feel to Ginny’s flat and the ringing telephone was perfectly timed. In contrast the grassed area with garden furniture and plants worked well for the later scenes in the country. Lighting was appropriate for both the bedsit in London and the outdoor garden setting evoking a summer’s day. The costumes, hair and makeup were perfect for the 1960’s, with the ladies looking particularly lovely in their period dresses.

Any performance in the round can be fraught with problems and challenges but the director plotted the whole piece very thoughtfully and in a way which ensured that the audience never felt excluded from any line of text or drama.  Indeed, a good rapport and engagement with the audience was maintained throughout, regardless of which of the three sides they were seated.

With the script shared between just four actors, each has a huge amount of dialogue to learn, but they handled it admirably with only one or two minor stumbles.  Otherwise, the pace and diction was impressive throughout.  Very well done.

Ginny was superbly acted, with good humour and very natural received pronunciation fitting for the period. Her comic timing was spot on and her characterisation outstanding. A very fine portrayal.

Finn was a quirky and interesting match for Ginny, setting the scene with enthusiasm and confidence. He gave an endearing and entertaining performance – his facial expressions and gestures when reacting to the conversations between the other characters were extremely funny. He came close to stealing the limelight but never strayed beyond the right side of appropriate business.

There was also much to enjoy in the scenes between Philip and Sheila – he the philandering husband and she the confused wife and hostess.  Both actors gave us believable and well-rounded characterisations and clearly took care to deliver Ayckbourn’s text with the rhythm, pace and clarity essential to the audience’s comprehension of the play’s unfolding mayhem and misunderstandings.  Their cross-purpose conversations with Finn and Ginny provided some of the play’s most hilarious moments.

 It was great to hear such hearty laughter during the performance and as I left the theatre it was evident that everyone had enjoyed the evening as much as I had. The whole production was hugely entertaining. It was a joy to be in the theatre again and this was the perfect play to brighten our evening.

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