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Over the River and Through the Woods, Bournemouth Little Theatre Club, Jameson Road.

THIS play explores a subject to which we can almost all relate to some degree or other – the binding nature of family, the need for some to escape, and the insular, sometimes selfish aspects of old age. But this somewhat serious pill is coated with gentle humour, making it easy, if thought-provoking, to swallow.

It is set around Nick Cristano, a young marketing executive who regularly visits his two sets of Italian-American grandparents in New Jersey, a bus ride away from his own home. When Nick makes an unexpected announcement about his future, it seems that his grandparents will do all in their power to make him change his plans.

The claustrophobic atmosphere of the set-up, partly illustrated by the heat in a house where the air conditioning is not switched until July 4, regardless of the weather, and where food is offered as a panacea for all ills, is brilliantly conveyed in Andrew Whyatt’s superb production. It hits all the right buttons and is beautifully performed by the entire cast – Paul Oliver (grandson Nick Cristano), Tony Orman & Virginia Harrington (Frank & Aida Gianelli), Derek Hyder & Lolly Endacott (Nunzio & Emma Cristano) and Natalie Castka (Emma’s friend).

Linda Kirkman

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