Home I'm Darling 

The Alexandra Theatre 

Birmingham 

25th - 29th April 2023

Bill Kenwright presents a Theatr Clwyd and National Theatre production of 'Home I'm Darling,' written by Laura Wade and directed by Tamara Harvey. 

Act I - 59 minutes 

Interval - 20 minutes 

Act II - 62 minutes 

'BAFTA-winner Jessica Ransom (Doc Martin, Armstrong and Miller, Horrible Histories), Diane Keen (Doctors, Rings on Their Fingers, The Cuckoo Waltz) and Neil McDermott (EastEnders, The Royal) lead the cast in this thought-provoking new comedy about one woman's quest to be the perfect 1950s housewife.'

A change to the cast did not hinder the performance and the role of Marcus was performed by understudy Steve Blacker-Barrowman (not Matthew Douglas).

An interesting and entertaining production that catapults you back to a bygone era of 1950s Britain or so you think!? 

A cleverly written production which initially confused me as to which era we were supposed to be in - the 1950s or modern day 2023!? I say confusion, but humorously when the character Judy (played by the talented Jessica Ransom) suddenly produces a laptop from a table draw and proceeds to work on it at the table of a 1950s style kitchen. The plot slowly begins to unravel...

The set design is absolutely stunning and fascinating, with an array of memorabilia and every day products and furnishings from the 50s. It's bursting with colour and stage lighting highlights key features of the stage design as well as key elements of the show. With a vibrant stage set it is accompanied by a score of recognisable hits from the era like 'Sh-Boom' and 'A Teenager in Love' which will have you hitting the download button on your way home!

The talent on stage is immense and the professional performance of   Jessica Ransom (Judy) / Neil McDermott (Johnny) and the rapport/ on-stage relationship is a delight to watch. I must add I did feel it was a little slow to start in Act I, however the show really came alive in Act II.

The show is interspersed with some sensational 50s style dancing to an already mentioned and memorable soundtrack. I would have loved to have seen more dancing and hits from the era as the cast were so passionate and powerful!

With a strong cast it was disappointing to see quite a few empty seats around the auditorium and hopefully as the production continues this will improve. 

If you love nostalgia and the 50s then this is for you. With a title like this it's hard to forget and as my friend messaged me last night after the show 'Home I'm Darling' this is sure to be a show you won't forget. Personally I would like to wish the cast and production company every success with the rest of the performance. 

I would give the performance a 4/5 star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️