Relatively Speaking

Synopsis

Ayckbourn's first West End hit comedy of confusion. A lazy summer Sunday in the late 60's. Ginny has fallen in love with Greg and wants Philip to leave her alone. So she sets off to see Philip and tell him once-and-for-all. Greg thinks she's visiting her parents and discovers Philips address so decides to pay a surprise visit and ask for her hand. For once, Philip's wife is still at home when Greg arrives before Ginny. Confused?

Our Review:

24 February 2011

Alan Ayckbourn’s first big success dates from the mid 1960s and Orla O'Loughlin’s stylish production places it firmly in the decade that saw the birth of the permissive society. It’s presented as a period piece, thus combating any accusations of being dated.

Designer Anthony Lamble has clearly relished the opportunity to create a grungy-looking London bedsit for swinging young Londoner Ginny to share with her latest man, callow young Greg. And Lamble rises wonderfully to the challenge of instantly pulling this back to reveal the full Sunday morning glory of an English country house and garden! What’s more he’s had a ball dolling Ginny up in mini-dress and kinky boots and the more mature Sheila in Mad Men-style housecoat and pyjamas and then shirtwaister.

The premise is that Ginny plans to put her swinging days behind her, extricate herself from an ongoing affair with her ex-boss Philip and marry Greg. A quick trip to Philip’s co...

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Latest User Review

Allan - 26 February 2011:

Dreadful. Can't comment on the whole evening because I left at the interval having endured the most appalling standard of acting by at least one cast member (I won't name names). Admittedly a difficult script to make funny but they failed completely. Maybe it was better on the press night but to see the word 'hilarious' in the review here makes me wonder what I missed....

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