Theatre Royal Windsor – until 5th April 2025
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
5*****
Windsor brings you the production of Just Between Ourselves, written by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Michael Cabot.
Dennis (Tom Richardson) is always tinkering away in his garage – fixing things that are never really fully fixed and leaving his poor wife Vera (Holly Smith) dealing with his obsessive mother Marjorie (Connie Walker), the root of all their problems and who always feels the need to be judging Vera over every little thing she does, or doesn’t do for that matter, regarding her son Dennis and their home. It’s clear that Marjorie wants all the attention and to be in charge of her Son! Dennis on the other hand, has his head in the clouds trying to constantly fill his father’s shoes and gain his mothers love and respect. But with all the trying he is doing she loves to remind him often that he will never match his father! Unfortunately, the more effort he puts into trying to impress his mother, the more he fails to notice just how fragile his wife Vera is becoming and how she’s slowly heading down a path towards a mental breakdown!
Crossed wires and misunderstandings often occur between the couple, with Dennis’ moto that everyone just needs to laugh more to be happy along with his constant talking never letting anyone get a word or thought in. A clear disconnection between them is apparent.
During this time Dennis is trying to sell Vera’s car when Neil (Joseph Clowser) comes to take a look, as he wants to surprise his wife Pam (Helen Phillips) with a car for her birthday. Although Pam really isn’t bothered and doesn’t seem to share much of her husband’s enthusiasm on most things, including the car! As the conversation unfolds between the husbands a friendship is forged, and we see them celebrating birthdays in the company of both their wives and Dennis’s mother Majorie, who is forever in the background but always finding something to complain about whilst trying to take charge! During this time, we see much laughter and comedy.
As the friendship becomes stronger it is clear that we have two unhappy marriages over the 5 birthday celebrations, but will it end with a bang?!
I think during this production the actors showed great skill portraying mental health difficulties in the 1970’s. There were also many humorous moments, giving the show a well-balanced, relatable and honest quality that drew the audience in alongside the actors close connection that was clearly seen on stage.
Holly Smith played an extremely believable character just watching her nervously tremble and shake whilst holding a teacup upon her face a fake smile masking her true emotions every time her mother-in-law had an opinion!
The stage was also done extremely well with a house and its back door leading onto the garage, where a full sized green mini sits amongst all the chaos that happens around the stage. It looks great and worked extremely well.
This show was done fantastically, showing some hard-hitting topics and vulnerability which was delivered and portrayed respectfully on stage.
Fantastic Production that is well worth a watch!