Richard (Toby Gaffney) and Imogen (Emma Rydal) are an upwardly mobile professional married couple with two young children (unseen), who like many others, like to relax after a hard day's work with a glass or two of wine. And of course, if that is where it stays, it is (although the medical profession would not agree) harmless enough. However, for this couple, Imogen especially, they have a very low resistance level, and it takes only one tiny prompt from Richard for Imogen to put away her principles until tomorrow and spend yet another enjoyable evening very drunk. We join them as they relax one evening, despite resolutions to be good and not drink too much since she has a very important conference to chair in the morning, but despite everything, they end up rather more drunk than they would have liked, and this results in Imogen having to ring in sick! Things spiral out of control more and more, especially with the arrival of a new female worker at Imogen's firm, who ingratiates herself into this couple's life and encourages their drinking even more, since she seems to drink nothing but wine and like to get very drunk herself. Much of this script though almost played out very much like an episode of the TV sitcom, 'My Family' (this impression further enhanced by an uncanny resemblance of Rydal to Zoe Wannamaker!). It was only the very serious issues which were part of this script which stopped it.
The play's downward spiral is quite frightening, and yet, there is hope, since the couple do resolve to be abstemious and try out a fitness regime which makes them both healthier and happier........ or does it?
There is humour (nicely placed) within this rather heavy text, but on the whole, the play is a little overlong and would benefit from a little editing. The singular storyline does become boring and predictable after a while and one needs respite (this comes in the form of a little comedy as already stated) but the subplot and reason for Maddie's (Stephanie Bradshaw) leaching comes too far into the play (almost at the end) and it too is heart-wrenching, sad. and serious
The acting is excellent and truly believable by all three, and the dynamics and energy between husband and wife were life-like to a tee. The set design was apt and despite it being a little cluttered, there seemed to nothing extraneous. I applaud the fact that real food and "real wine" was consumed throughout; I can't abide miming in a naturalistic setting. Sensibly and sensitively directed by Peter MacQueen, the play highlights the dangers of alcohol, and why people drink it, although it never tries to make judgement. I did feel that the scene changes were very long though and overall the pace was not perhaps as swift as it could have been.
Good use of sound and lighting throughout. A notable attempt and definitely worth a watch.
Reviewer - Alastair Zyggu
on - 24.7.25
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