Theatre Review - THE GOOD LIFE, PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

Based on the TV series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, the classic seventies sitcom comes to the People’s Theatre. Tom and Barbara choose to leave the rat race behind them and turn their suburban home into their own self-sufficient farm. They grow their own vegetables and keep animals in the back garden, much to the chagrin of social-climbing neighbours Margo and Jerry. Fans of the original show will note differences to the storyline and ending - to be expected with an adaptation; overall the show carries onto the stage very well.

 

Director Steve Hewitt manages to keep the heart of the show, bringing out humour and compassion at each turn. In many ways a story of its time, with the ‘expectation’ of flirting between men and women, it’s also a story that will always be relevant, with the dream of a self-sufficient future away from the norm. The show is a little slow to get going but when it does it’s a cheerful romp through this life-less-lived. The production gently encourages you to pause and take stock of your own life, whilst also being a reminder that drinks with friends is always a good idea. The set (designed by Alan Potts) was a simple but effective split between the two very different houses of the couples. Sound (designed by Kate Scott) and lighting (designed by CJ Zangerle Murray, Phil Bradley and Tim Swinton) added to the action and helped set a smooth pace. The crew operating scene changes were highly effective and swift. However, there were a few occasions when the audience was left twiddling its collective thumbs as actors went off set to change. The costumes (Dianne Edwards) also helped set the era of the piece, with Margo exhibiting some truly fabulous dresses.

 

The whole cast created a magnificent performance, with goat Geraldine (Pippy) causing hilarious havoc after escaping. Margaret (Molli Lloyd-James) provided humour as Sir’s secretary. Mary (again, Molli Lloyd-James) and Policeman Frank (Charlie Hope) had an amusing moment where their eyes met over a home-made pig ventilator - with Dr Joe (Steve Strouzer) charmingly bemused by the situation. Milkwoman and Harriet the Pig Lady (both Rosa Cole) brought some wry humour to the feast. Andrew Ferguson, or ‘Sir’ (Pete McAndrew), left us smiling as he continually forgot Tom’s name, while his wife, Felicity Ferguson (Nicky White), had the audience howling with her dance moves. The main four could not have been better cast, with a clear chemistry between the lovers and friends that flowed from the stage like peapod wine. Margo Leadbetter (Sarah McLane) managed to be kind and slightly offensive at all times. Jerry Leadbetter (Mark Buckley) hit the right note as the man in charge in the boardroom, but not in his own home. Tom Good (Stuart Laidler) and Barbara Good (Ellie Pullen) gave the enchanting impression, in each scene, that as they moved towards their goal, they moved closer to each other.

 

Cheeky, charming and lovable, put simply this show is ‘The Good Life’.

 

Showing at the People’s Theatre until 8^th October.