Salisbury Playhouse – until 9th March 2024
Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock
4****
Written by Chris Chibnall, this hilarious play is set to make your evening!
Set in real time, Jen and Mark (Laura Main and Sam Alexander) are expecting their first baby and are tackling the challenges of pre-parenthood. The dynamic between this couple was electric; genuinely touching but with the occasional debate about parking, traffic and how firm the birthing pool needs to be. Both Laura and Sam added a tender touch to these roles that mimics real life perfectly.
Accompanied by Marks Dad Dave (James Gaddas), Dave’s outrageous girlfriend Alize (Valerie Antwi), Jen’s mum/doula hopeful Eileen (Sherry Baines) and the neighbour upstairs, Paul (David Partridge), who has a vendetta against the local badger, this love story turns into a chaotic disaster of love and affection. The badger was by far one of the funniest parts of this play-which had us in stitches!
Simon Kenny’s set design is great, using screens to show smartphone interactions and adding to the overarching plot. The stage was realistic, well laid out and every inch of the stage was utilised. This show is about how to combat birthing …. but what can you really expect when you are expecting?