Funny, touching, affectionate and insightful, April in Paris looks set to be another success from the fast-growing Derby Theatre stable.
John Godber's work is always a popular choice with Derby audiences, who relate to his well observed characters and down to earth humour. As John Godber would say 'They get it'. April in Paris was originally written in 1992 but, with the playwright's updated script, inspired casting, and the noticeable growth of increasingly insular attitudes in todays Britain, this drama feels as timely now as it ever was.
In this beautifully staged and directed play, Joe McGann and Shobna Gulati hit all the right notes as a northern couple, Al and Bet, whose 20 year marriage has gone stale.
The two actors share the Derby stage for over two hours, in which time they create a (perfectly) plausible portrait of a middle-aged couple. They may be highly frustrated with each other, but they still hold on through tenuous links of affection, formed over time.
Struggling to adapt to an empty nest and a shortage of money brought on by redundancy, their lives have become mundane and claustrophobic. As they separately strive to find some inspiration and meaning, their ongoing banter - though highly amusing for the audience and delivered with perfectly-timed gestures and loaded-one liners - teeters dangerously close to dislike.
Desperate to reach out in to the world Bet is accompanied by a very reluctant Al on a trip to Paris. The trip enables the couple to renew their energy for life and for each other. Though travel is challenging it also expands the mind
April in Paris is an invitation to embrace the wider world and realise it can feed and nourish, offering new perspectives and creativity, rather than something to be feared or avoided. John Godber gently leads the audience to this understanding through Bet and Al relationship. "We are just a tiny speck of dust when you realise what else is out there," says Al. The playwright's genius for capturing British people and all their foibles and strengths with huge affection is in full evidence here and Joe and Shobna do full justice to his direction.
The inventive and evocative set was also to be enjoyed. The stark monochrome home of the first act, gave way to a colourful Paris in the second act, encompassing strong emotional and embodied responses at different points in the play; a notion of claustrophobia, a very real sense of sea sickness and finally in Paris that special, magical, childlike feeling, that anything is possible which visiting new places can create.
April In Paris continues in Derby until July 12 before going out on a national tour. Tickets are priced £10.50-£25. Call 01332 593939 or visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk
