Written by: Laura Wade
Directed by: Steve Grounds
Gaslight Theatre, Cambridge
6-20 April 2024
Warning: This play contains some coarse language and includes scenes dealing with some challenging issues about marital and workplace relationships.
The Gaslight Theatre is a charming little venue nestled in a culvert below the eastern end of Cambridge and the Waikato River. It offers plenty of parking, superb small-town hospitality and dodgy internet access which allows you to truly switch off from the outside world and enjoy a show. The opening night performance included complimentary drinks and nibbles, and supper at intermission amongst a convivial crowd.
Home, I’m Darling begins with the quintessential, picture perfect 1950s couple living in a pastel-coloured dream sitting down for breakfast before Johnny played by Jared Wooldridge leaves for work. Upon his exit, Judy played by Charlie Ellis retrieves a laptop from the kitchen drawer and it becomes apparent that perhaps all is not as it seems. This theme continues throughout as backstories are revealed and the characters are challenged.
Home, I’m Darling won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2019 but the play isn’t a laugh a minute stampede about a modern-day couple living in times gone by. There is plenty of time for reflection about the differences in society across the decades, and the variety of issues that any relationship can face.
Ellis was a stellar choice for the lead role, and her performance as Judy was outstanding. Ellis produced a performance that set a new benchmark for the role of Judy. Ellis was utterly convincing as ex-career woman now homemaker who is struggling to face the truth.
Wooldridge shone with good dialogue that allowed him to flex his chops, particularly exasperation and disappointment. Wooldridge continues to be a solid, reliable and adaptable performer.
Kat D’Arcy-Young was terrific as Fran, the somewhat overly trusting and eager-to-please best friend. D’Arcy-Young has been away from the stage for decades, however I would scramble to see her tread the boards again in any role. Bravo for stepping back under the spotlights.
Home, I’m Darling would have benefited from less stage management, and an accent coach, Ellis and D’Arcy-Young excluded. The audience hummed, toe-tapped and sang their way through the scene change incidental music which was often used to mask costume changes for Ellis, but the cast could have removed or brought on more props allowing less fussing from the crew.
Once again, the graphics used in the marketing material was stunning. There’s no mention in the programme of who is responsible but whoever you are congratulations on creating such an alluring image.
Director Steve Grounds created a thought-provoking and memorable piece that was well suited to the venue. The casting was fantastic, as was the set design, costumes, hair, music and lighting. All in all, Grounds version of Home I’m Darling was an entertaining night out, and worth a trip to Cambridge if you don't live there.
Tickets are available via gaslight.nz
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