'Sunny Side Up' by John Godber is a modern-day play set in a fictional run-down
northern seaside town, “a bus and two trains away, at the end of the line”.
Set in post-covid times, as society comes out of
lockdown and the rise of the “staycation”. Instead of continuing into further decline,
the town, like many other neglected seaside towns is now full of “no vacancies”
signs on the hotels and B&Bs indicate that 'business is booming'.
The play addresses many layers of class divide, presented
from two sides of an extended family.
We begin with Barney (John Godber), the gruff northern
landlord who says it like it is “ if you don’t like it don’t come”, his wife
Tina (Jane Thornton) and daughter Cath (Martha Godber) a sharp, straight
talking northern lass who isn’t without a sense of devilment to keep her
secretly entertained. It’s part
narration and part conversation as they discuss the influx of visitors to the
town and how to maximize profits from the upturn. They talk about the different types of people
who are visiting the area, the haves and have-nots and so begins the recounting
of how Graham, Barney's brother-in-law, also played by Godber and his wife Sue,
played by Thornton, ended up coming to stay due to a room being free as a couple
were “pinged” by Track And Trace.
Graham is originally from the town, a working-class
local-boy-made-good, and is now a retired university professor. His wife Sue, ever eager and positive about
everything, persuades Graham to take the offer of the free accommodation and
opportunity of a break. Graham isn’t
eager to return to his working-class roots and so begins a journey of reminiscing, as he recalls past
memories and indulges in enjoyable pass-times from his youth.
We meet other residents of the B&B too, like the comical,
highly opinionated Kelly (also played by Martha Godber).
We see the relationship between brother and sister and
how proud Tina is of what her brother has achieved, we see Graham reflect on
his achievements, and what it is all for.
It highlights the differences between the
cousins' careers; Cath working at the B&B while her cousin becomes a doctor, and comedy is found in the ignorance of Cath and her “vegan” cooking of eggs.
The play is very witty and well-paced, all three
actors switch into their different characters with ease and the audience spent
most of the evening laughing at the sharp wit and dialogue from the actors. Simple scenery with a few seaside props are
used effectively, as is the catchy music between the scenes, reminding us of
halcyon days by the coast. Well written,
witty, with identifiable characters make this a highly recommended watch.
Reviewer - Catherine Gall
on - 19.10.21
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