‘Relatively Speaking’
Originally commissioned 49 years ago by Stephen Joseph for the Library Theatre in Scarborough, to make people laugh during rainy seaside holidays, Relatively Speaking, as it was later known, became Ayckbourn’s first West End success in 1967
The play centres around mistaken identity, conversations at cross purposes, threats of revelations all conducted with middle class politeness and touches on situations that still arise today.
We meet Greg in Ginny’s pokey flat with its typical 60’s kitchen sink décor. Although he only met her a few months ago he’s certain she’s the girl for him. When she tells him she is going to visit her parents, he decides that he must act quickly and ask her father for his daughters hand in marriage.
Having found a scribbled address, he follows her to Buckinghamshire where he finds Phillip and Sheila having breakfast in their garden – but they are not Ginny’s parents.
Relatively Speaking gets off to a rather slow and laboured start despite the energetic efforts of Antony Eden to move things along with his engaging characterization and unfortunately there’s appears to be little chemistry between him and Lindsey Campbell’s rather bland Ginny.
But once into the beautiful sunlit garden set the production begins to move and become a masterpiece of Ayckbourn comedy.
Robert Powell’s philandering husband Phillip and Liza Goddard as Sheila, his dutiful wife are outstanding injecting a easy, comedic brilliance into their respective roles.
The choice of this play for a warm summer evening is a brilliant booking ploy. You don’t have to think too hard or ponder on any intensive philosophies. It’s pure frothy and extremely enjoyable entertainment that is full of that wonderful feel good factor.
Relatively Speaking runs until Saturday 3rd September at The Grand Theatre, Leeds.
Liz Coggins
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