We all wonder about our neighbours. From Ayckbourne’s comedies to Desperate Housewives to Hollyoaks, there’s a fascination about what goes on behind closed doors. Marlborough Road, a new play from All Things Nice Productions, currently on at the Hen and Chickens manages to combine elements of all three served up with a Skittles vodka shot – literally, as party girl Mel (played with relish by author Natasha May) greets the settling audience with a pre-show beverage.
Jane was a lawyer. Now she’s a stay-at-home mum with a new baby and a husband who’s never there, making it the perfect time to get to know the neighbours by hosting an informal ‘meet-and-greet’. Her sister Mel’s agreed to help, although her plans seem to involve less baby monitors, more tequila. As a host of eclectic neighbours descend, the night turns chaotic – fuelled by watermelon Bacardi Breezers, emotional breakdowns, and of course, Beyonce.
New writing, especially comic writing, can be deceptively challenging to stage. A piece which voices the highs and lows of being a woman – especially one with an all-female cast and production crew – has the potential to feel alienating, no matter how funny it is. Marlborough Road avoids any clichés, however, as director Katherine Timms and her cast execute a production that’s hilarious and poignant by turns.
May’s characters are lovingly written and brought to life by a talented cast of bright young things. Stacey Norris’s Jane is straight-laced and poised, but her underlying frustration is beautifully conveyed, diminishing any preconceptions of playing the straight man. May’s Mel provides the perfect foil – brimming with energy and saucy one-liners. Their comic timing is impeccable and expertly matched.
Highlights for me were Sadie Tonks’s emotionally charged turn as lost, quiet Sarah, who doesn’t say much but is heartbreakingly watchable from the get-go. The play’s comedy really shone in the hands of Claire Scott as Susan, the odd neighbour who’s behaviour is unsettling, awkward and therefore brilliantly funny throughout.
With any piece of new writing, there’s always the odd road bump. The script excels in its use of punchy dialogue and pithy humour, but there’s not quite enough of a change in pace when it comes to the serious moments. Two emotional breakdowns in quick succession becomes a little overbearing; slightly more give in the structure of these scenes would ensure that moments of sincerity stand out amongst the comedy.
Praise must go to Timms, whose strong directorial vision is evident throughout. The balance between humour and pathos is beautifully struck; there’s a tight rein on proceedings even when the stage is flooded with gin, spiritual cleansing and chaos.
There’s much appeal in Marlborough Road – it’s new writing at its best, a talented company and comedy that feels right at home in one of London’s best-known venues. However, its real sparkle is that all those involved are clearly having a ball – and with energy this infectious, it’s very hard not to join in.
Isabel Dixon
Marlborough Road runs until 20th April (no performances on Mondays or Sundays.)
Venue: Hen and Chickens Theatre Bar, 109 St Paul's Road, London, N1 2NA
Tickets: £12/10
For more information and to book tickets click HERE
