" A MODERN TAKE ON AN ALMOST HISTORICAL PLAY "
" A MODERN TAKE ON AN ALMOST HISTORICAL PLAY "
So says director Mariam Gaballa Gill of BEDROOM FARCE , Hemel Hempstead Theatre Company ’ s upcoming production of Alan Ayckbourn ’ s hilarious Seventies ’ bedroom comedy .
“ We are finding things that we don ’ t think Ayckbourn was aware of ,” she added . “ Imagine Donald Trump sits on your bed ”; “ How would Ross from Friends say it ?”; “ She wants to try whips and chains ” are just a few random comments from rehearsals .
“ It ’ s going really well , and we are having a lot of fun rehearsing it ,” added Mariam .
There are , however , some physical challenges set-wise , as the action takes place in three bedrooms in different houses . Each bedroom contains a double bed ; and since the stage is not tall enough to put one bedroom at a completely higher level , this means that every inch of space must be managed .
“ Set designer and builder John Eames has been drawing and re-drawing and re-re-drawing the set plan ,” says Mariam .
The plot of BEDROOM FARCE involves four couples , three of whom are the owners of the three bedrooms . Kate and Malcolm are trying to have a house-warming party in their new love nest ; Nick is in bed with a bad back , which does NOT please his wife , Jan , who goes to the party without him ; and Delia and Paul are an older couple , celebrating their wedding anniversary , who don ’ t really want to know about the intimate marital difficulties of the others .
The fourth couple , Trevor and Susannah , have a dramatically dysfunctional marriage and take their problems to the other three couples , leaving a trail of psychological damage behind them .
“ The relationships of the characters are still very complex ,” says Mariam , “ which makes people think about them later – but it ’ s also a bit of escapism .”
And that , of course , is what so many of us need in these difficult times .
Bedroom Farce will be on-stage from March 26-29 and you can book tickets by calling 0333 666 3366 or online at www . hhtheatreco . com
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Box Office : 0333 666 3366
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