'Bedroom Farce' Lacks Good, Clean Filth (Press, 5 May 1980)
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Summary: 'Bedroom Farce' Lacks Good, Clean Filth (Press, 5 May 1980)
In a review published on 5 May 1980, Howard McNaughton comments on the Christchurch production of “Bedroom Farce” by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Bryan Aitken at The Court Theatre. The play has faced a significant delay in its premiere due to a global rights dispute, which reflects the complexities surrounding its title and content. McNaughton critiques the play's inability to innovate, noting that Ayckbourn has taken a cliché and presented it without disguise. He argues that while Ayckbourn typically avoids overtly crude content, he instead relies on suggestiveness, calling the play less a true farce and more a mild exploration of adult relationships without explicit material. The review discusses the performances of the cast, noting that while the script is lacking, the acting itself is of variable quality. Judie Douglass and John Curry are recognised for their portrayal of the older couple, showing depth that surprisingly echoes the style of playwright Harold Pinter. Other cast members, including Paul Sonne, are seen as underutilised, with Sonne suffering from a back injury that limits his involvement in the first act. Despite the weaknesses in the script, the production manages to effectively convey its three settings, particularly highlighting the older couple's environment. McNaughton mentions that, in spite of his personal dissatisfaction with the comedic quality of the second act, the audience appears to enjoy the performance overall, suggesting that it will likely achieve box office success. He expresses disappointment that the weak ending does not detract from the generally positive reception among viewers. The review ultimately suggests that “Bedroom Farce” will be popular with the audience, following The Court's recent trend of showing more serious scripts, even if it doesn't live up to the expectations of more discerning theatre-goers.
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