Relatively Speaking

Pados’ recent production of Alan Ayckbourn's "Relatively Speaking" was a showpiece of comedic theatre, displaying a remarkable ensemble cast, astute direction, and a visually pleasing set that transported the audience into the world of Ayckbourn's brilliant farce.

The play begins in Ginny’s flat, where a sleeping Greg is submerged beneath the blankets. On an open set, that took some dedication and stillness from Matthew Foxcroft as Greg, the new boyfriend of Ginny. Matthew was endearing as Greg, the not-so-veiled jealously played out believably and the humour was well placed. Matthew’s delivery was very in-keeping for the era and the earnestness during the later scenes was extremely entertaining. His moments alone with Sheila and Phillip were great! Tara Mycock played the young and carefree Ginny well, she had crystal clear delivery and had moments of substance when concentrating on the subplot and being in the moment. 

From the outset of the second scene on the garden patio belonging to Sheila and Philip, (the couple Greg believed to be Ginny’s parents), it was clear that these two actors, Angela Grady and Paul Dawson, were perfectly cast and delivered performances that were both strong and hilariously nuanced. Each actor brought a unique flavour to their character, enhancing the intricate misunderstandings and comedic timing that are the hallmarks of Ayckbourn’s work. Their chemistry was palpable, making the rapid-fire exchanges and physical comedy appear effortless and organic. Angela’s facial expressions, focus and vocal modulation were a highlight, this was a completely rounded and layered character. Intelligently played and wonderful to watch. Likewise with Paul as Phillip. This was a solid and highly entertaining characterisation, grounded in a clear understanding of humour and Ayckbourn linguistics.

The direction by Jess Fagelman was particularly noteworthy for its pace and cleverness. The director maintained a brisk tempo throughout, ensuring the energy never flagged and the audience remained engaged, particularly in the garden scenes. The staging was creative and fitting for the piece, with actors utilizing the space appropriately, Sheila and Phillip moved with familiarity in their surroundings etc. The director's vision was clear, emphasizing the humour inherent in the script while also allowing for moments of genuine emotion and character development.

The set design was another standout element of this production, well done to the team at PADOS. It was a tremendous visual treat, perfectly capturing the period and setting of the play. The attention to detail was meticulous in the garden scene, with each prop and piece of furniture adding to the authenticity and charm of the environment (A couple of prop choices could have been more appropriate – the cigarette box with the modern warnings and newspaper with the modern headlines – in that intimate space, were very noticeable against the other fabulous apposite selections). The set transition was swift, further contributing to the smooth flow of the performance, it may have been nice to see the transformation, but that is a personal preference for the inner workings and choreography of set changes! The costumes, make up and hair, provided by Bell Costumes and Emma Kavanagh, again enhanced the overall look and era of the piece, well done!

This production of "Relatively Speaking" was a delightful experience, characterized by strong performances, sharp direction, and a beautifully realized set. It successfully brought Ayckbourn's witty and intricate play to life, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and appreciative of the comedic artistry on display.

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