“You’re like the character of Ernest,” I said to my boyfriend as we left the theatre, faces aching, after two hours of non-stop grinning and laughing at the brilliance of Sinodun Player’s latest production.
Bedroom Farce is written by Alan Ayckbourn and is set in 1975. It explores the life occurring in three suburban bedrooms during one evening and the following early morning.
The production is being put on currently by Wallingford’s performing arts group at the Corn Exchange theatre, which was full with couples echoing the words, “that’s just like us,” on Thursday (14) evening.
READ MORE: Wallingford's Nell Gwynn was funny, cheeky and worth the watch
Unlike when I reviewed Sinodun Player’s Nell Gwynn where I had no expectations having forgot the synopsis of the show, I had high expectations for Bedroom Farce.
Not only because the production of Nell Gwynn was fantastic but because the show promises a Seventies comedy with strong links to the feminist movements that were happening at that time.
The show did not disappoint - from the first scene I was chuckling away at Peter Smithson, who played Ernest, as he consistantly reminded his wife Delia, played by Jay Aggett, of a leak in their ceiling.
The couple, the oldest of the four, were my favourites with many of their conversations echoing modern relationships.
A performance to be noted has to be that of Huw Saunders, who played Trevor. New to Sinodun Players, Mr Saunders never failed to get the audience crying with laughter in every scene.
I thought the play would have to be paused when Mr Saunders came out in his “tighty-whities” as the audience just couldn’t stop laughing – especially when he went to sit next to Nick, played by Joel Webster, who I absolutely loved the sassiness of.
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Another favourite scene had to be Kevin Goodfellow, who played Malcolm, attempting to build an Ikea table – the frustration is something we all can relate to.
And yes, the men were brilliant, but the women really STOLE this production for me.
Ms Aggett was perfect in her role making many women in the audience remark – “I say that to my husband all the time.”
Rebecca Lee, who played Jan, acted so effortlessly and had the audience interacting with the show as if it was a panto.
Natalie Davies, who played Kate, never failed to make me laugh from her facial expressions to her perfectly timed comments.
And finally, Nikki Gibson, who played Susannah, really brought home the show for me and personally I thought was a pivotal character in portraying the feminist movements at the time.
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From fancying women to being open about the personal aspects of her relationship – I was almost on my feet cheering her on.
Excellently casted and directed – get down to the Corn Exchange as soon as you can (and bring your spouse!)
For tickets tonight (16), visit: cornexchange.org.uk
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This story was written by Gee Harland, she joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.
Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland
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