Tuesday 18 March 2014

The Husbands, Plymouth Theatre Royal- The Drum

What a disappointment this show was.

I had been excited about seeing this production since booking it three weeks earlier. I am interested in Asian culture, and I had heard good things about this particular show.


There were elements which I found original and interesting. Cooking live on stage being one of them. The sizzling sounds and the aroma of the spices and onions transported the audience to the location with great effect.

Unfortunately, I felt that the scripting was false and repetitive. I was underwhelmed by the main actress' portrayal of a strong woman, and I found that large sections of the show rather dragged. Everything seemed to be over-acted and it spoiled it for me. I wish it had been done far more subtly. Case in point- the main actress wants to show her passion for one of her husbands whilst he is saying his lines. She runs her hands frantically over his face, hair and mouth. My friends agreed that this was a very strange way to act, and distracted from what her husband was trying to say, which was in fact rather poignant.

I would like to see a reinterpretation of this show. I would also like to see the actual wedding- after so much of a buold up to it, to have it cut short was a disappointment. Overall, I would not rate this production highly, although there are some elements which I found interesting. I hope that this production can gain strength and momentum- but as it stands I cannot say that it will do so, which is unfortunate.

Image above is not my own.

2.5/10

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