Home I’m Darling – Q&A with Jerry Radburn
Laura Wade’s comedy / drama Home, I’m Darling, is coming to Wokingham Theatre. We sat down with director Jerry Radburn to hear what audiences have in store from our latest production.
Without giving too much away (because we know there is a BIG twist in the story) what is the play about?
Well that’s the trouble, it’s hard to say much without giving away the big twist, which we realise at the end of the first scene. But the story is examining the roles of women and domestic life in the 1950s, but the author looks at it through a modern day, contemporary lens.
I think many of our audiences will identify with the 1950s and know exactly what’s being referred to, as well as recognising many of the features of the costume, set, props etc. I think people will appreciate the insight that Laura Wade gives to how people behaved in the 50s. We like to look back with nostalgia and think everything was better then, but then have that realisation that perhaps it wasn’t actually better back then…
Is it funny?
Yes, it’s very funny. It’s a comedy with some serious undertones. It won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2018, and it transferred to the West End after a very successful run at the National. Plus it has been revived by quite a few companies since it was written, so it’s very popular.
How have rehearsals been?
They’ve been going really well! We’re a small cast, just six actors, but it’s been very enjoyable and relaxed, people are really connecting with their parts. We’re just enjoying creating an atmosphere that can be playful, not being afraid to make mistakes. We’ve just taken scenes and played around with them while we’ve worked on them. And our Production Manager Janice has been making many of the cakes and food props referred to, so it has been an exercise in method eating!
What can audiences expect in terms of the production design?
It looks brilliant, the set is especially wonderful. If you looked at a house in the street, they’ve basically taken the front off it and sliced it down the middle, we’ve got the interior of a two-storey house. It’s a massive built and they’ve done an absolutely brilliant job.
How do you hope the audience feels watching it?
I hope they feel entertained, and also thoughtful about the issues the play brings up. It was written in the post me-too movement, so that is a strand that runs throughout. But it’s really about what makes the central characters question their relationship and to consider what you need to sustain a proper and true relationship. You can’t live in a fantasy world, you have to live in this world, and the play really explores that.
How would you describe the play in three words?
Funny, tender, thoughtful.
Home, I’m Darling opens at Wokingham Theatre on Thursday 1 May and runs until Saturday 10 May. There are still a handful of tickets available, which you can purchase here.