GOING POTTY – THE FULL STORY: Kate Wyvill
Sanity Productions.
Runs: 2hrs 20 mins. Interval: 20 Mins
Ranjit Khutan: Wolverhampton Arena Theatre: 8th March 2006
Packed with good one-liners, but could do with fleshing out
Emma has locked herself in her rather large walk-in wardrobe, but her husband Robert needs to get to work. She won’t come out and has decided to take a break from the screaming kids and the daily chore of motherhood. She admits she “should have chosen [her] breakdown day more carefully” and as issues regarding their relationship come to ahead the couple attempt to break down their barriers – and that’s where a chainsaw comes in handy.
The story is divided into three acts. The first of these is the day after the night before where it is clear that a major incident has caused this argument but it’s not clear why Robert doesn’t seem to share the same feelings. Emma comments on how many shirts he has, failing to notice or mention that her collection of shoes counter balances this line of argument. They exchange comical yet deeply cutting comments about each other – Emma: “I nearly strangled your son and heir,” Robert: “we all feel like that,” Emma: “but you don’t go looking for the rope” (boom boom). It’s very true of real life relationships, but like watching any couple argue, after the first few minutes it soon becomes boring. She complains about having to look after her children and he complains about having to work in the cut throat world of business – so, why don’t they something about it? This argument seems to go on and on.
The second act reveals the events of the night before and we learn why Emma is so angry. In this scene Robert and his secretary Sally (also played by Kate Wyvill – the difference is difficult to distinguish at first) are working late. She comes onto him, he onto her and back again; this indecisiveness is frustrating and we begin to lose caring for what is to become of their relationship. The reason for the argument between Robert and his wife is predictable and lead into the final act – back to the day after the night before – where the argument continues.
The play is packed with fantastic jokes and one liners in which both Kate Wyvil and Simon Greenway give strong performances as Emma and Robert. However, it is a pity that the characters don’t develop and we don’t get a sense of this open exchange of feelings having changed anything in their relationship. Watch out for splinters, if you’re sitting on the front row – you have been warned.
Emma Strafe: Kate Wyvill
Robert Strafe: Simon Greenway
Sally (Robert’s work colleague): Kate Wyvill
Recorded voices: Simon Drew & Harrison Wyvill
Director: Denise Gilfoyle
Lighting: Pete Bridges
Sound: Alistair Wyvill
2006-03-22 15:38:29