OUT IN THE GARDEN

Chelmsford Theatre Workshop at the Old Court

01.02.11

“Families – who'd have one?”

“You can't escape your destiny!”


What do you do if you're about to break your duck, and then suddenly realise you'd be happier batting for the other side ?

Carolyn Scott-Jeffs' loud and proud comedy was a hit in Edinburgh a few years back, with minor soap stars in the cast.

But it follows a much older tradition: the comedy of mistaken identities and misunderstandings. It even has its own Little Miss Malaprop. A coarser successor to Ayckbourn and Cooney.

A strong, well-bonded cast got laughs galore on the opening night, from the minute the stag night survivors crash into the garden in various states of undress and inebriation. First up is Liam, the bridegroom's camp new friend, picked up in The Jester in a drunken Damascene moment. He's the fly in the ointment, the spanner in the wedding works, and the last man confused young Stuart wants to see in his Mum's gnome-infested Birmingham backyard. Ian Eagleton was a very watchable Liam – a born farceur, his screaming queen, writhing, squirming in embarrassment was a joy, and he used his rare moments of quiet stillness effectively, too. As the groom who discovers he's gay, Danny Segeth had a very convincing hangover; his desperation in the face of his dilemma was palpable, too.

These two excellent comic actors were joined by Sarah Bell, ballsy fiancée of Stu's London-based brother [Philip Hart]. Inspired comedy turns from Rebecca Errington, the dozy bride to be in her lacy optimistic knickers, and Debbie Miles as Mum, Dusty Springfield re-drawn by Beryl Cook, and a formidable comic presence.

This is an outrageous piece, and the quality of the acting made us temporarily oblivious to the weaknesses in the plot, especially after the interval. But there are many pages of beautifully written dialogue, some welcome subtlety, and a tender moment of truth to give us some food for thought amidst the hysteria. And this production, directed with wit and style by Lynne Foster with Tonio Ellis, was a welcome revival of a splendid romp.