one4review | On 22, Aug 2023

A musical about a couple’s journey of 20 years of married life and all that it entails, the joy, anguish, childbirth, housework and the inevitable dirty linen.

This is a sung-through musical, carried by two leads Madeleine MacMahon (Alice) and Drew Elston (Ben) who are on stage the whole time along with their bed for company. A pianist set to the left of stage provides the music throughout the performance.

Instead of a honeymoon, newlyweds Ben and Alice buy a luxury divan. The actors brilliantly play out this relatable musical story that is set around their bed. I loved how the bed was used throughout the performance – happily putting linen on the bed together at the start of their married life, throwing bedding and clothing when arguing, the experience of the homebirth and the ending where we are drawn to the empty space in the bed, (get your tissues out for that one). A brilliantly written musical score and a great performance of some heartfelt ballads deliver this poignant story of this couple’s marriage.

Whilst the plot is quite predictable, you cannot help but be completely drawn into the drama that unfolds on stage. The acting was superb, I almost felt as if I was watching a film. I would definitely recommend this playful and poignant pocket sprung musical.

****
Reviewed by Lynn

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