Bedroom Farce is a pleasant and mild show looking at different relationships in a comedic light. Published in 1975, the tone is slightly outdated, but in turn may provide a nostalgic taste for older audiences.
The play introduces viewers to four couples, all within the setting of three different bedrooms on the same stage. The plot revolves around the troubled relationship between Susannah (Allie Croker) and Trevor (Ben Porter), though the length of their time together is uncertain. As the night unfolds, their argument draws in the other couples, each seen within the context of their own bedrooms.
Ernest (Stuart Fox) and Delia (Julia Hills), being Trevor’s parents, are of an older generation. Both characters played superbly, the couple have great chemistry and have clearly grown together in old age. They console a distraught Susannah, despite having their reservations about her suitability for their son as she is not “resilient” enough. Evidently, this may be true.
Susannah and Trevor are however – both rather childish – with Susannah displaying a particular meekness that is slightly unsettling. Both go into several bouts of tearful rambling during the show, and both are blissfully ignorant on the inconvenience they cause those around them.
Their instability is first shown in their friends’ Malcom and Kate’s bedroom – where they have ruined a party with their arguing and hysterics. Whilst Malcolm (Antony Eden) and Kate (Rhiannon Handy) have a seemingly loving and compatible relationship, they too are also slightly childish.
The ages of the characters are ambiguous; none have children, but all look 40-50 years of age. Efforts to perhaps relinquish this casting discrepancy were seen with Trevor’s band t-shirt and Kate’s teddy bear.
Lastly there’s Nick (Damien Matthews) and Jan (Georgia Burnell)- probably the more mature of the younger couples. Nick has thrown his back out – an indication of the characters’ age range – and spends the entire show in bed/ on the floor. Despite this affliction, he garners good stage presence and delivers witty lines. Jan is Trevor’s ex-girlfriend and finds herself in the middle of the lovers’ quarrel. Her interaction with Trevor causes tension to rise and whilst does make for an entertaining plot – is rather predictable at times.
Alan Ayckbourn provides a good story full of entertaining characters and quick-witted comments – whilst not being overly complex. Michael Holt, the set designer, facilitates the story perfectly with all rooms fitting on stage – allowing for quick changes. The Mill provides the perfect idyllic setting for such a story to be told – and its audiences are evidently pleased with what they’re offering.
Written by: Alan Aychbourn
Directed by: Robin Herford
Starring: Antony Eden, Stuart Fox, Rhiannon Handy
Venue: The Mill at Sonning
Review by Sofia Moran