The Good Life

Bringing a beloved TV series to the stage is no small feat, but Carlisle Green Room Club’s production of The Good Life captured the charm, humour, and eccentricities of the original show with aplomb. This delightful adaptation transported the audience back to the 1970s, where self-sufficiency met suburban satire, and the results were thoroughly entertaining.

Mitch Ralley led the cast impeccably as Tom Good, embodying the character’s boundless optimism and quirky determination. His chemistry with Michelle Wright, who played Barbara Good, was natural and engaging. Michelle brought warmth and wit to the role, perfectly complementing Mitch’s seemingly limitless energy. Together, they made the Goods’ unconventional lifestyle feel endearing and relatable.

The standout performance of the evening was Sarah Coyle as Margo Leadbetter. Her portrayal was so uncannily reminiscent of Penelope Keith’s iconic interpretation that it felt as though Margo had stepped straight from the television onto the stage. Coyle’s effervescence and unwavering commitment to the character were a joy to watch and her comedic timing was flawless. She never missed a beat, delivering every line with precision and flair.

Jason Munn brought a grounded charm to the role of Jerry Leadbetter, deftly navigating a mix of exasperation and affection for his wife, Margo. His performance was polished and well rounded. Crystal-clear diction ensured that every word landed with the audience. In fact, the entire cast excelled in this regard, making the dialogue sharp and easy to follow throughout.

It was a particular treat to see Green Room Club veteran John Metcalfe in a cameo role as Andrew. His brief but hilarious appearance had the audience in stitches, proving that even a small role can leave a big impression.

The set design by Tim Baugh was a triumph, capturing the 1970s aesthetic with meticulous attention to detail. From the retro furniture to the era-appropriate props, every element worked together to transport the audience back in time. The addition of scene-stealing goat prop was an unexpected delight—its antics nearly stole the show and added an extra layer of silly humour to the production.

While the production was brimming with charm, I felt the running time could have benefitted from a 20-minute trim. Some scenes felt a touch overextended. 

That said, The Good Life was a resounding success overall. The cast’s strong performances, the beautiful set, and the clever direction of Verity Ramsden combined to create an evening of laughter and nostalgia.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.