Nadia Papachronopoulou On … Recipe for a Perfect Wife
Following its run at the King’s Head, Islington in August last year, Recipe for a Perfect Wife transfers to the Charing Cross Theatre from 2 June (previews from 25 May) playing the late night slot on Wednesday and Thursdays.
The show’s co-writer and director Nadia Papachronopoulou, who told us about the reality of a woman’s role in the 50s and how Recipe for a Perfect Wife developed.
When you think of 1950’s women, glamour, elegance and poise is probably what first pops into your mind. But reality for most of these women wasn’t smiles and candy floss, rather a hidden unhappiness.
Women in the 50s were supposed to carry out certain roles, such as be an attentive mother, a perfect homemaker, and an obedient wife. The perfect mother would make sure her children were seen and not heard. A diligent housewife had dinner on the table precisely at the moment her husband arrived home from work and made sure the house was pristine clean. A wife was a “good” wife only if she carried out her husband’s every order and agreed with him on everything. A lot of these women were addicted to anti-depressants and speed to get them through the day.
During the Second World War women had gone to work to replace men who were off fighting and as soon as the war ended, the men wanted to reclaim back their jobs and the women were once again left at home. Adverts and TV shows reinforced this by introducing the iconic image of the domestic goddess as being so glamorous and happy, that women would never want to go back to the workplace.
Adverts were a big part of this as they would brainwash women with products – the more gadgets you had the more busy you would be, so no need to think outside the home. Women became consumed by new products all the time; products and gadgets to make the housework easier – even teabags arrived in the 1950s, and fast food was introduced to Britain from America.
The whole world changed after the War; everything was being re-built and felt new. There was an excitement in the air, values and a sense of community was an essential part of picking Britain back up on it’s feet, and being proud of it’s achievements. Family life was a big part of that, having the stay-at-home mother nurturing the children and the father going to work making the money. All very different from today’s society with so many broken down homes and 45% of marriages ending in divorce. You wonder if some of the old values worked!
Our first idea of creating a show about 1950s housewives was inspired by the commercials of the time as even with the political incorrect and subliminal messages they still had a air of innocence. We were torn whether the show should go dark or cheesy, we decided on something in the middle although it has pulled towards the comedic element the 1950s had. As there is enough dark and misery today it is nice to see something fun with a flair of innocence, a good old rounder British comedy.
From our “Pick of the Week” success at the Kings Head, the production is now being made bigger and better for its transfer to the Charing Cross Theatre. We have a large cast of fantastic actors who are so passionate and dedicated to the show, it makes the energy magical and it really shows on stage. Our musical director Tim Jackson has given the songs a true 1950s feel.
It is also a chance for the audience to dress up 1950s style and join in the fun. Every Thursday after the show there will be a good old fashion knees up party with cake, live music and the opportunity to meet the cast. Some nights we will special celebrity guests…. so watch this space.
Recipe for a Perfect Wife opens at the Charing Cross Theatre on 2 June (previews from 25 May 2011) where it plays the 10pm slot on Wednesday and Thursdays.
