Dusky Sapphire Productions and The Blue Light Theatre Company return with another wonderful theatrical offering at the Galtres Centre – shedding light on the tangled web that is modern family life.
As curtains parted to the sound of Sister Sledge’s ‘We Are Family’, the upbeat disco classic sharply contrasted with the erratic complexity of the relationships we were soon to explore. Soon we meet a blended family who share their daily dramas with the audience, offering us a peek through the window of their world.
At the centre is our protagonist Sally – a nurse by day and peacemaker by night, as she juggled a fraught separation with her ex Matt, whilst trying to understand this new normal.
Oh My Life! is at the Galtres Centre, Easingwold, from Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 June.
Perri Ann Barley steps into Sally’s shoes – or should I say knickers – with humour and heart, and who better to understand the text than the talented lady who wrote it. And casting is a true family affair as husband Craig Barley not only directs the play, but brings Sally’s ex Matt to life, swapping their real life happily ever after for a strained and resentful onstage relationship.
But Matt’s not the only man in Sally’s life, no, the Easingwold stage offers us a further trio of gentlemen, whose main purpose seems to be to drive our tiresome Mum even more bonkers. Whether it’s the hilariously handyman Colin (Glen Gears) outstaying his welcome, the soft and sensitive Doctor Giles (Jorvik Kalicinski), or her neurotic father Bill (Richard Rogers).
Richard Rogers’ chemistry with onstage wife Doris (Brenda Riley) is an absolute delight; the pair could be easily lifted from any family dining room, an oddly welcome familiarity! I also enjoyed seeing their dynamics change from overbearing parents to doting grandparents, again an authentic truth for many.
These grandchildren certainly kept their elders on their feet, reflecting the struggles of navigating youth in the 21st century. And this responsibility only bears heavier secondhand for their parents as they ensure sweet Harry (Toby Wood alternating with James Roberts) games responsibly, sassy Sophie (Isla Goodwin alternating with Keira Perry) recognises boundaries, and turbulent Scott (Callum Mason) understands that difference doesn’t equal disadvantage. The cast captured these pressures excellently.
Barley’s script is layered with subtext, with potential for further exploration of each character, as if we’ve only scratched the surface of their individual stories. With loyal friend Marie (Linden Horwood) and trusty Aunt Julie (Audra Bryan) completing the cast, this family are in safe, albeit chaotic, hands.
The staging was simplistic, each fade to black marked the passage of time. Team Barley’s direction enabled a steady pace to the production. As with all first performances, naturally nerves were present amongst the cast – but this group should be proud of their heartfelt and relatable portrayals. I guarantee each audience member saw a version of themselves reflected in one of the characters onstage.
So what’s on the table for this play, no not Toad in the Hole, but a generous helping of sharp comedic writing, a main course of complex relationships and a side of warm, relatable truth.
Grab your tickets at the Galtres Centre website to join the family. Tickets are £12.