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Barefoot in the Park, Broadstone Players, War Memorial Hall, Broadstone

LEARNING to live with someone is never easy, and probably even less so when you’re exhausted from the sheer effort of staggering up six flights of stairs to your tiny New York apartment. Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical play explores the pitfalls of doing so in a way that combines deadly seriousness with extreme humour, and makes for a hugely entertaining, brilliantly crafted comedy.

Estelle Hughes’ production ensures that none of the humour or pathos is missed, with every line given its full weight, and it bubbles along splendidly. And her cast do her credit with lovely characterisations and totally credible accents, although it was a pity that there were so many first night memory lapses to break the flow.

There are first-class performances from Bev Beck and Greig Blanden as newlyweds Connie & Paul Bratter, she full of energy and zest for life, he staid and inhibited – at least until the worm turns, when his complete change of character is beautifully portrayed.

Great support comes too from Peter Watson as upstairs neighbour Victor Velasco and Val Mantle as Corrie’s mother, Mrs Banks, while Gerry Carroll creates a super cameo as the telephone man.

A very realistic set, too.

Linda Kirkman

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