When we are married

‘When we are married’ is a 1938 play by the English novelist J B Priestley who was famous for ‘An Inspector Calls’ and suing Graham Greene for defamation. Priestley despised the conceit and duplicity of the Edwardian middle classes, and this play was a tongue in cheek attack at them. Presented in the Limelight Theatre, Civic Drive, Wanneroo, the two and a quarter hour play starts at 8.00 pm.

        It is 1908 in Alderman Helliwell’s West Yorkshire manor house, when ‘Yorkshire Argus’ news reporter (Andrew Brown) and his inept drunken photographer (Robert Benson Parry) arrive. They are shown into the parlour by Tweeny Ruby Birtle (Brooke Henley - excellent). The reporter has been called in because Alderman Joe Helliwell (Gordon Park) and his wife Maria (Sue McDonnell) are hosting a get together to celebrate three mutual, silver wedding anniversaries. They are joined by the other two couples, the miserable, self-important, tight-fisted Councillor Albert Parker (Phil Lord) and his timid wife, charming Annie Parker (Karen Tropiano), along with the insipid Herbert Soppitt (David Gostlow) and his omnipotent wife, Clara Soppitt (Sue Mainwaring - hilarious). All three couples having been married on the same day at the same church.

       Before the celebrations start the church organist, Gerald (Jason Pearce) has been summoned to the manor to be reprimanded for his poor performance, but he is not worried in the slightest, as this gives him a chance to meet the girl of his dreams, Nancy (Bridget Spinks) the Halliwell’s niece. Besides he has discovered something that will rock the household.

       Things are going smoothly until the prying cook; Mrs Northrop (Marion Reeves) spreads some overheard gossip. Once a buxom painted tart, Lottie Grady (Alida Chaney) appears from someone’s past sparks really fly.

        When the present minister, the Reverend Clement Mercer (George McCabe) arrives to bless the couples unions, he finds the household in disarray, with the couples on the verge of becoming social pariahs.

The first act was a little ropey as the first-night nerves ruled, however the cast pulled together at the interval. Despite the prolonged, minor drama that was taking place in the front row, which eventually required half the row to leave, the actors came back fighting and didn’t flicker. The second act was hilarious, with everyone giving good solid performances. Gordon Park’s direction was lively and the characters came alive.

The superb set was very similar to last year’s at Marloo. It was very well decorated and with some splendid props (Pearl Jensen). The costumes (Joyce Gilbert, Dayle Seaman, Marion James) were magnificent with full tails and beautiful gowns. The good teching courtesy of Wally Fry and Ann Walberg on the lights and Peter Sorensen on sound.

An excellent programme, colourful and in a decent sized font. Only one spelling mistake – see the programme editor to claim your dinner for two prize when you find it.

I am certain that night two will be perfect. A very funny play, well presented, however there are VERY few seats left for the season.