Salad Days

Synopsis

In a sunny, happy, optimistic and often absurd 1954, Timothy and Jane graduate from University. Under pressure from their parents they have to find a job and a husband, respectively. Timothy's family send him off to meet a series of influential and increasingly eccentric uncles, while Jane's mother lines up a series of eligible but dull potential husbands. A chance meeting with a tramp brings the couple together as his street piano - named Minnie - gives everyone an irresistible and unstoppable urge to dance. The tramp gives Timothy the job of looking after the piano for a month. Once the month is over and after all kinds of wonderful adventures - including a ride in a flying saucer - Minnie the piano is passed on to a new couple and Timothy and Jane's families are reconciled.

Our Review:

Michael Coveney - 16 November 2009

We said we wouldn’t look back, as the song goes, but we have no choice in the matter with Salad Days, the charmingly fey and silly 1954 musical by Julian Slade and Dorothy Reynolds that ran for over five years in the West End but flopped dismally on its last outing there in 1997.

Bill Bankes-Jones’ revival for the little opera company Tete a Tete transforms the larger Riverside studio into a London park with grassy bleachers and tables for customers sipping Pimms and munching cucumber sandwiches. You’re given a graduation scroll by a scarlet-gowned don as you take your seat, or your green patch.

For this is the post-graduate, post-war, coming-out-of austerity nostalgia jag in which Timothy and Jane, both lumbered with parental expectations (“Find yourself something to do, dear”), prolong life in an escapist cocoon by taking charge of a magic piano that makes everyone dance.

The songs are lovely, especially Jane’s ballads which are sweetly discharged by [M...

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Latest User Review

Margaret Lines - 15 January 2011:

Bit confused by date - did Tete a Tete perform 2009 as well. Saw it last night - absolutely loved it - brought back so many memories and anticipating every word.Everyone seemed to love performing and the musical group were excellent - they were enjoying the patter as much as we were.Mixed age group but thunderous applause at end and smiles on faces throughout show everywhere - we will be going again before the run ends....

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