Bedroom Farce ★★★★★ The Mill at Sonning | Aug 1 - Sep 21, 2024


Three reasonably happy couples! Delia and Ernest might have some leaky eaves on the house as they celebrate the anniversary of their crotchety union; Nick may be suffering from a bad back while struggling to read about the menacing shark in Jaws as his wife, Jan, sets out for a party where her predatory ex will be present; Kate and Malcolm are definitely stressing about the party they are hosting, and he may prove to be not quite the DIY master that he thinks he is. Still, they all have adjusted to the compromises of their relationships, and nothing has quite prepared them for the real threat to their connubial constructions – the chaos that Trevor and Susannah will hilariously create when they bring their train wreck of a relationship into these comfortable worlds. The power of Alan Ayckbourn's comedy about domestic distress is that the dialogue and the dilemmas are so close to what we all experience. The exaggeration is beautifully calibrated to bring out the humour of very recognisable situations. This is a pointed, but sympathetic, reflection of our own lives which comfortably reaffirms the less-than-perfect status quo of our own relationships. The current production manages to capture Ayckbourn's spirit to perfection. Director Robin Herford keeps all the stories spinning at just the right pace, and Michael Holt's set is a neat adaptation to the space available. Ultimately, however, the show's success depends on the performances, and this whole ensemble nicely walk the line between the prosaic and preposterous. We loved Julia Hills' arch Delia and Stuart Fox's somewhat addled Ernest. Antony Eden as the overly confident Malcolm and Rhiannon Handy as compassionate Kate give nicely nuanced performances, and Georgia Burnell as Jan and Damien Matthews as the bedbound Nick did some nice work with the physical comedy which could have so easily been over the top. In the end, the key casting is that of self-absorbed Trevor and neurotic, insecure Susannah. Full points to Ben Porter and Allie Croker who both manage to create characters that are comic gold. Once again, The Mill at Sonning demonstrates its incredible theatrical value, providing a first-rate meal and an absolutely delightful production of Alan Ayckbourn's madcap masterpiece.

Rated: ★★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Andreas Lambis

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When, Where, Getting there:
  • Aug 1 - Sep 21, 2024
  • Wed - Sat: 8:15 pm. Restaurant open: 6:15 pm - 8 pm
  • Thu (Aug 8 - 29) & Sat: 2:15 pm. Restaurant open: 12:15 pm - 2 pm
  • Sun (from Sep 8): 2:15 pm. Restaurant open: 12:15 pm - 2 pm
  • The Mill at Sonning
  • Nearest station: Reading
  • https://millatsonning.com/shows/bedroom-farce/
Map & Location: Sonning Eye, Reading RG4 6TY, UK

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