Review: A Bedroom Farce – New Wolsey


Four Couples, Three Bedrooms and one chaotic night, Bedroom Farce, at The New Wolsey Theatre, tells the story of Trevor and Susannah’s turbulent relationship and it’s effect on their friends and family.

Jan (Chloe Howman) is off to a house warming party, leaving husband Nick (Barnaby Power) stuck in bed with a bad back. Meanwhile loved-up couple Kate (Leanne Jones) and Malcolm (Richard Elis) are preparing to welcome their guests, but their party plans are soon ruined by Trevor (Tom Turner) and Susannah’s (Sophie Roberts) constant rowing.

Picture by Mike Kwasniak

Trevor’s parents Ernest (Christopher Ettridge) and Delia (Susan Bovell) are preparing for their anniversary meal, but things don’t go to plan and they are soon home and planning an early night, however in true farce style there is little chance of that when they welcome an unexpected houseguest.

Will Trevor and Susannah ever sort out their love life? Will anyone ever get any sleep?
A fabulous set, built and painted by the Mercury Theatre, Colchester Workshops, plays backdrop as the story unfolds, with all three bedrooms being on stage at the same time.

As you would expect from an Alan Ayckbourn play, there are some very funny comedy moments, Ernest and Delia’s relationship sparks memories of some of the great 70’s sitcoms, and Nick’s unusual method of retrieving his book is laugh out loud funny!

Bedroom Farce is well worth an evening out at the theatre, the play has stood the test of time and judging by the applause at the end of the show, the audience members went home happy.
Bedroom Farce is at the New Wolsey Theatre until Saturday 12th to book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 295900

• Review Wendy Cook – Ipswich24 Magazine

Picture by Mike Kwasniak