Theatre Royal, Glasgow – until 9 February 2019
Reviewed by Linda McLaughlan
5*****
Throwback to the 70’s for many of the audience.
The audience at Theatre Royal appeared to contain a mixture of generations awaiting what has become a comedy stage classic.
The scene is set in a suburban living room with all the decor of the 70’s on show. Beverly (played by Jodie Prenger) sets the scene as she appears in a large floral dress which I am sure many of the audience will remember and begins to prepare for her evening. Cigarette in hand she puts on the record player play and sways to the music whilst bringing out the nibbles….. cheese and pineapple on sticks and nuts and crisps, avoiding the olives as she doesn’t like these as we find out when her husband Laurence (played by Daniel Casey) appears home from work stressed from his job as an Estate Agent. The couple although having only been married 3 years appears strained and difficult. Beverly having already poured herself a G & T tops up her drink and reminds Laurence that the new neighbours are coming round for a few drinks as well as their neighbour Sue (played by Rose Keegan). Sue’s daughter Abigail who is 15 is having a party hence why she is leaving the house.
Before Laurence leaves the house to deal with a late development at work the new neighbours arrive Angela (played by Vicky Binns) and Tony (played by Calum Callaghan). The new neighbours are young professionals with Angela being a Nurse and Tony a Computer Operator. Having bough their first house they are climbing the social ladder which at this time in the 70’s is a privileged experience.
As the evening goes on and drink flows with Beverly being the very dominant host ensuring that everyone has their glass full even when they don’t want it. The sexual tension becomes quite electric as Beverly flirts with Tony and Sue worrying about the party which can be heard in the background.
The play highlights the changes in the social structure within Britain especially 1977 which has streets celebrating the Queens Jubilee and the musical era going through changes in music from Punk to Donna Summer.
Without giving away the end of the play I would recommend that you go to this play and enjoy the highs and lows of the people’s lives with much laughter and times of worry. A must see and outstanding performances from the cast of 5 people throughout the entire play.