New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until Saturday 25th March 2023
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
4****
Home I’m Darling tells the story of Judy (Jessica Ransom) a wife who finds herself made redundant and decides she wants to take her life into a different direction. What could be better than being a perfect 1950’s housewife an era that’s she very much in love with, for her husband Johnny (Neil McDermott) convincing him that a change will impact their lives and both for the better. Imagine dinner being cooked before your even home, ready and waiting! Someone to take your shoes of and pop your slippers on with a nice relaxing cocktail ready to go! The sheets always being tidy and clean! Think of how it would make you feel as a Husband, a true provider. Sounds like the perfect idea for the pair and they decide to try it out for 6 months, this only leading to what seems like a 3-year chore.
Although looking in from the outside it seems the pair are incredibly happy, totally entwined and have the perfect life. As constantly mentioned by the couple’s close friends Fran (Cassie Bradley) and Marcus (Matthew Douglas) who they meet through the love of the 50’s. With Marcus moaning that Fran doesn’t do enough around the house, always pointing out the differences between both women and how Johnny is a very lucky man to have Judy. With Fran always feeling put down by these words as she will never be able to live up to anything near Judy and to be honest, she doesn’t really want to. Instead, she would rather be working and doesn’t feel she would get the same satisfaction that Judy gets from her spotless house. But on the inside Judy is slowly losing herself to an obsession that is taking over her, making her forget who she really is. Whereas Johnny is missing the old Judy and the normal things in life with the simplicity of actually being able to doing things for her! Her Mother Sylvia (Diane Keen) is desperate for Judy to return to work believing that she needs something more fulfilling in her life to help her along, whilst asking herself what would she have left if something happens between the pair! Things take a turn for the worst when Johnny opens up saying he’s no longer happy could this be the end for the couple or will they look deeper in order to find a happy medium.
Home I’m Darling offers much insight into the life of 50s where women were solely responsible for the upkeep of the household, keeping everything running and looking their best . Although this reality seems far from the truth offering much loneliness forgetting who you really are as well as never wanting to socialise much and leaving your home your comfort zone
The set looked amazing of a house with many retro designs true to that era. Upstairs the rooms were painted giving it the effect of a full house and very appealing to the eye.
This production was enjoyable to watch I found it witty, charming and nostalgic. Would definitely recommend for a entertaining evening out.