Review: Bedroom Farce (The Mill at Sonning)

Review by Daz Gale

⭐️⭐️⭐️

A short trip outside of London takes you to one of the most beautiful theatres where each show is an experience in itself, thanks to The Mill at Sonning’s picturesque setting and beautiful pre-show meal. For their latest show, they are bringing back one of Alan Ayckbourn’s enduring classics for a new production of Bedroom Farce. Would this comedy be able to keep the audience awake?

Beginning its life in 1975, Bedroom Farce enjoyed a run at the National Theatre in 1977 and has had multiple revivals since. Set over the course of one night in the 1970s, the action takes place across three bedrooms featuring four married couples. Older couple Delia and Ernest are back home after going out to eat; bedridden Nick is recovering from a bad back while his wife Jan goes out to a party; and Malcolm and Kate are hosting the party in question. However, all of their nights get turned upside down when dealing with the consequences of Trevor and Susannah’s tumultuous marriage.

Alan Ayckbourn’s writing remains joyful to witness as it delves into an increasingly absurd situation that stems from the most normal of occurrences (apparently inspired by an experience he had himself). Fairly gentle in itself, there is the sense that not every element has aged well, with this very much being a product of the 1970s. As a comedy, I didn’t find myself laughing too much, though this was not the case for those of another generation in the audience, who were consistently delighted by the writing with it impossible not to join in with the joy their laughter created. Personally, I could appreciate the show a lot more for the writing itself without deeming its success on its ability or inability to make me laugh, as well as how it resonated with its target demographic.

Robin Herford’s direction does wonders with The Mill at Sonning’s relatively tight space, cramming three bedrooms onto the small stage, with a fantastic design from Michael Holt. There were inspired choices as the action flitted back from one bedroom to the other, with great care taken to the delivery of lines and characterisations in themselves. I would have liked to have seen a bit more thought for some of the physicality in certain comedy moments, such as sight gags and elements that were integral to maintain the titular farce element of the play, as these often lacked the desired impact and resulting hilarity.

Amongst the eight performers on stage saw a variety of acting styles, with some leaning into their characters in a natural way, attempting to bring out the comedy, whereas others went a stretch too far and never quite managed to land their performances. Highlights amongst the cast included Julia Hills and Stuart Fox as older couple Delia and Ernest, whose chemistry was a delight to see. Beautifully embodying the simple pleasures in life such as a naughty late-night snack, they lit up the stage whenever the focus was on them, setting the bar incredibly high. Damien Matthews may not move much throughout the play but his turn as the anguished Nick is extremely memorable with a particularly great scene involving him disastrously attempting to reach for an item one of the greatest executed comedic moments in the production.

Bedroom Farce may be a product of its time, but there is something joyous in watching a play from nearly 50 years ago and contemplating what basic elements of relationships have been retained and others that haven’t aged quite as well. It is a fitting production for The Mill at Sonning which feels like a time capsule in itself and beautifully so. A trip there is always a gorgeous experience, easily allowing you to forget the harshness of the world outside and enjoy a simpler setting. It is this experience that elevates even the nights there even when the play doesn’t quite match up to the other aspects. Still, a thoroughly enjoyable evening and one that I’m sure many will love.

Bedroom Farce plays at the Mill at Sonning until 21st September. Tickets from www.millatsonning.com

Photos by Andreas Lambis