Writer: Laura Wade
Director: Tamara Harvey and Hannah Noone
Was life easier in the fifties, in the roles middle income men and women were expected to play? Judy (Jessica Ransome) looks at that era through rose tinted glasses and aspires to be that domestic goddess, the ever attentive, stay-at-home wife. She becomes locked in a self-imposed fantasy world of the bygone time.
Her husband, Johnny (Neil McDermott), also a fan of the fifties, discovers that all is not bliss living in a make believe, particularly when financial difficulties arise. He does not get the promotion he had hoped for at the estate agency where he works. We see him transform from two dimensions into to a passionate, three-dimensional character wanting his marriage to survive. While Judy tries to brush aside their financial challenges and her husband’s imagined affair with Alex his boss.
Laura Wade’s comedy explores, in a seemingly light hearted and amusing fashion, the issues surrounding a marriage. Her characters, who at first might appear frivolous, are trying their best to make life simpler than it could possibly be. Wade has created a thought-provoking comedy, winning the 2019 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The world premiere was at Theatre Clwyd.
There is an energy about the play as Judy flits about her household chores. The movements between husband and wife are stylised and lively. Their dialogue is rapid, constantly cheerful and play acting.
Their friends are also devotees of the fifties. They dance some delightful jive routines as they breeze in to visit. However, they too have their relationship problems. In sharp contrast Judy’s mother Sylvia (Diane Keen) is quietly concerned about her daughter’s decision to willingly stay at home and play the housewife when she previously had a good job in the real world. Her mother, previously a hippie at heart, cannot understand her daughter’s choice. This a question that confronts the audience.
The set is a cross section of a fifties home, complete with all the domestic appliances – Formica kitchen table, vintage fridge, geometric wallpaper and kitsch cocktail bar which is put to good use. There are stairs to disappear up and a pantry to enter. All the action is played in the house.
The re-enactment by Judy is complete with the fifties’ fashion of ‘sticky out’ full skirts, high heels and a glimpse of suspenders. Her hair styles complement her various dresses. Johnny also attires in more formal fifties gear as he leaves the house for work. They live in Welwyn Garden City – a place to live, work and enjoy.
But does love win out? Will their marriage survive and will they come down to reality? This enjoyable comedy will set you thinking about how much society has changed since the fifties and thankfully for the better. You won’t be disappointed.
Runs until 22nd April 2023
