Relatively Speaking

This play, although written in the sixties was firmly set by the director in the early 1970’s as the dialogue included references to pounds, shillings and pence. (decimalisation taking place in February 1971) Set dressing though, props and costumes etc., covered much of the seventies, there was no real problem here as, unless you are a devotee of the 70’s, one would see it as a 70’s inspired set.

Being a studio performance we were able to study the set from the outset and this was a well designed and built composite set, all furniture and props appeared appropriate for the early 70’s in a London Flat. We had been advised that there would be a 5-minute interval after Act 1 scene 1 to allow for a set change, my goodness, what a change. Applauded by the watching audience. This London Flat had now become a sunny Garden in Buckinghamshire and what a well-designed set there was, all the trucks had rotated to show garden hedging at both sides, a garden shed and centrally French doors leading into the house, showing a lounge. The set was remarkably well dressed, a good display of plants around the set with the action taking place around a centrally set table and chairs. A nice touch with bird-song not too loud that it blended into the background.

We were introduced to the cast one by one, Greg was already on stage asleep under a duvet (eiderdown), I had guessed that he was hiding there. Harvey Jones gave us a good performance throughout the show as Greg. This was a good performance, facial expressions, stance and timing were good throughout the show. He also showed the naivety of his character and the mis-understanding and mis-interpretations that Greg has throughout the story.

Ginny as portrayed by Claire Buckingham had a wonderful relationship with Greg they worked together really well as a couple and her timing really matched Harvey’s. She was a good foil to his naivety, brusque and matter of fact and held the attention of the audience as they wondered what ever secrets she had to reveal.

This young couple, seemingly so in love had many secrets held by Ginny which were to be hilariously revealed (or maybe not as the ending showed) as the play progressed. So, after the scene change, we meet Philip and Sheila in their garden expecting them to be Ginny’s Parents, Peter Crerar was well played as a devoted husband hiding an affair from his wife and gave us a solid performance throughout. Karen Mackenzie as Sheila gave us a sterling performance as the innocent wife, the way she was so charming, but also to pit her fellow characters into dialogue together. Karen was a master at expression, timing and characterisation.

This was a play that consisted of numerous duologues Greg-Ginny, Greg-Sheila, Sheila-Peter, Peter-Ginny, Ginny-Sheila etc. and then as a ‘family’ around a dining table. There was a lot of script and it flowed freely with wit and good timing, virtually all the comedy was clearly expressed with just an occasional stutter. All four actors worked well together and this was obviously a thoughtful casting despite the fact that Harvey was brought into the cast only 5 weeks before the show. One would not have known that if I had not been told.

Congratulations to Director Jennie who should be delighted with the work put into this play by cast and crew, 5 stars for the set design and build. We were presented with a well performed and staged comic play written by Alan Ayckbourn. A well written play needs to be well performed and this undoubtedly was, to the delight of the audience. Well done all.

Leslie Judd

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