Wilma’s Rating: [rating=4]
Where: Wyndhams Theatre, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DA
How Much: £12.50-£75
How long: 2 hrs (including interval)
Running until: 1st September 2012
Merchandise:
Programme £4
Drinks
Wine: £5-£6
Beer: £3.50-£4.50
Water: £2
Ice cream: £3
You couldn’t feel more back in the 70’s if you wanted to with this show. Even if you weren’t born then, this is exactly how you imagine it would be. With the awful leather sofas, thick woolen rug, fold out table and of course the drinks cabinet!
Transferring to the West Wnd after a 2 month sold out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, this show has been perfectly placed into the West End. Quickly slotting in to the Wyndhams Theatre after the sad departure of The Kings Speech, this show is definitely destined for a much greater run. You can see why, as the actors have been magnificently selected to play the perfect roles.
The simple story is of a couple (Beverley and Laurence) who invite their new neighbours (Angela and Tony) around for drinks. They also invite neighbour Sue who lives down the road who gratefully comes as her 15 year old daughter, Abigail is having a party next door. One gin after the other, not much happens but it’s a typical party. This show is so funny because anyone that has ever been in a relationship can understand the way the couples niggle at each other. Turning the music up and down, scoffing at the things each other says and the ‘you know where it is if you want it’ attitude while playing the perfect host to the other guests at the same time.
Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star Natalie Casey is the star of the show, playing the ditzy, monotone Angela with perfection. Her attempt at slow dancing in the living room had me in stitches! Jill Halfpenny (2004 Strictly Come Dancing winner and established TV and Theatre actress), who could have easily been mistaken for Kara Tointon, was fabulous as the host of the party, Beverley. Jo Absolom (Eastenders), Susan Harker and Andy Nyman all deserve a mention as every actor was superb.
I can’t recommend this show highly enough. It’s light and easy to watch and ideal for a fun night out with friends!
