A Taste of Honey at The Little Theatre Leicester Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by LW

Photo Credit – Jonathan Pryke

The Little Theatre Leicester is just that; a Little Theatre in the heart of Leicester almost entirely staffed by volunteers. It hosts a full season of productions from their own and guest companies with tonight’s production from the society itself.

It is hard to believe now that Shelagh Delaney was only 18 years old when she wrote A Taste of Honey. The work has stood the test of time despite the challenging content and addressing some difficult previously societal norms. The story concerns Jo, a young woman, who has lived a life with her mother travelling around, hiding from her mum’s string of unsuitable boyfriends. We hear from Jo how she’s never settled in at a school and it is clear that the relationship between the two women is fractious to say the least. Into the story introduced is her mother’s latest boyfriend, complete with eye patch, Pete Smith who is there to woo Jo’s mother Helen into marrying him. The second man we are introduced to is Navy officer Jimmy who sweeps Jo off her feet and proposes to her despite their young age with the promise to return after Christmas, this is the person we learn is the father of Jo’s baby. As the story continues, Jo is left alone as her mother marries and moves in to a big house with Peter leaving Jo alone in the squalid bed sit accompanied by her friend the effeminate Jeff and her growing pregnancy.

In this production the lead character of Jo, is ably played by Celeste Walton. A wordy part which sees her rarely leaving the stage. Celeste delivered this role deftly, almost flawlessly, showing the great complexities to Jo as she learns to navigate the difficult life she has been given. In contrast to Jo, her mother Helen, Holly Mtusiewicz, is chaotic a character which at times holding and delivering some very funny lines. A further layer is introduced from the role excellently played by Freddie Dobrijevic, Peter, in particular we enjoyed his hilarious drunk performance which demonstrated the kind of man he is. Offering Jo calm and solace, for the most part, is her friend Jeff; who brings a much needed loving caring figure, beautifully handled by Thom Jones, into her life as she grapples with the concept of motherhood; after being left pregnant by her sailor boyfriend Jimmy, Abdullah Henley. There were of course moments during the production, owing to it being first night, that there were some difficulties with some lines and indeed I did feel that some of the more comedic moments were missed.

The play is set in the 1950s and the programme noting in a modest cluttered flat however I did notice that the flat was not especially cluttered. I was confused however by the presence of the curtain on a clothes rail to show the bedroom area within the bed sit/flat. I’m not sure that this created the best divide and perhaps just a hint of a wall would have been better. Additionally there were moments to note that were perhaps not entirely in keeping with the setting and the historical context which we noted in terms of continuity, for example the rubberized doll. As well as this we noticed that the wicker basket was not made of wicker; as well as Jo still wearing a school uniform, despite us being told that she was leaving school and the drama moving forward a few weeks. Finally to note on that topic is the use of fake flowers which only served to distract from their very minor role in the play as they bounced around looking far from like a real bouquet.

For sound and lighting I thought the outside light which we see Jo and Jimmy in could have been a little brighter as their faces we’re fairly shadowed as we see his proposal to her. I also thought during the show that there was a strange noise from the side of the auditorium, which was a bizarre soundtrack of nursery rhymes being used to convey the children playing outside; perhaps just the sound of screams and giggles would have been a better effect here. Likewise the miming of opening a widow which wasn’t there – only the edge of the performance space. Perhaps a rethink on a few aspects could improve this play further.

In all, another great play from Leicester Drama Society and well worth a few hours of your evening to support the wonderful volunteers who keep the venue going.

Four Stars

Rating: 4/5

A Taste of Honey runs until Saturday 8th March with tickets still available priced between £16 and £18.50

For more information or to book tickets, visit thelittletheatre.co.uk