Ayckbourn’s tragic-comic play is a dark, incisive examination of the plight of a trapped, unappreciated and unfulfilled woman. Susan has invested time and emotional energy in her marriage and family but self-sacrifice has not brought her happiness. Her husband is insensitive and indifferent, her sister-in-law interferes and she is estranged from her son. As a coping mechanism, she has created in her mind the perfect fantasy family who adore and cherish her. However, an eventual blurring of the worlds of fantasy and reality has devastating consequences for her.
 |
| Photography: Barry Parsons |
Our production opened on Thursday 20 January, and we have been delighted with responses of audiences.
"It blew my mind!! Such stellar performances from everyone involved, especially the amazingly talented Mandy Kiley. Everything about this performance, including the sets, sound, lighting and costume were so professional! Well done everyone." Wendy A
"I would just like to say I went to the play last Thursday with three friends, and we all thought the production was fantastic. The acting was so good I was totally absorbed the whole time, I did laugh out loud but never lost sight of the disintegration of the lead character. Could you please pass on our appreciation to all those who took part." Margaret L
"Great performance, and thought provoking as well as thoroughly entertaining. Professional performances by all. My first visit too, already planning to come to the next show." Robin S
"Sometimes you need a little space to breathe after such powerful theatre… I even nearly left my bag which speaks for itself of how affected I had been! I had two friends with me : friend 1: ‘Susan’ was ‘astonishing’. friend 2 (tends to cast an artistically critical eye): reserved his judgement at the interval but by the final bow had been blown away by theatrical technicalities/acting precision/the sort of utterances a professionally trained actor makes that I can’t quote with any justice…but you get the flavour. A huge congratulations to cast and crew!" Charlotte C
"Went to yesterday’s matinee and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very grim in many ways, but wonderfully witty dialogue and an excellent cast. As Susan’s control slipped away more completely towards the end, I found myself wanting to stop the laughter around her… compelling performances all round. Sincere congratulations to all involved." Shelagh M
"Great show, I loved it! Congratulations to all involved." Julie B
"The Sewell Barn cast do great justice to this finely written script, and give us a play that may be difficult but is also a joy to watch... Director Peter Wood has marshalled his cast into giving a faultless and moving performance." Julian Swainson, Norwich Eye [click here for full review]
"Brilliant play and performances by all especially Mandy Kiley, fantastic as always, and John Griffin excellent having stepped in so late. Don't miss this great show!" Ruth H
"Absolutely brilliant! Great play, well done!!" Vicky F
"It was really good - thought provoking and very well acted. Loved the backdrop of the garden through the gauze. The Barn does it again!" Shelagh S
***
The show plays 20-22 and 26-29 January, with a matinee on 29 January. Tickets £11/£10 from 0333 666 3366 or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/sewellbarn. We are limiting audience numbers (to 60 out of our usual 100 seats) for your safety and comfort, so advance booking is highly recommended.
