Matt Hewson
The 50s burst back into the present as Geelong Repertory Theatre Company kicks off an 11-show run of Home, I’m Darling tonight.
Running from April 19 until May 4 at the Woodbin Theatre in Geelong West, Geelong Rep’s production of Laura Wade’s 2018 dark comedy features a stellar cast including local actors Gracie Rogers, David Keele, Amy Lowe, Mitchell O’Neill, Katie Hall and Libby Host.
The play, which won the 2019 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, explores issues around love, cake and the quest to be the perfect 1950s housewife.
Director Robyn Birrell said the work grappled with serious issues coated in glossy colour.
“There’s a big element throughout of different forms of feminism; it’s also about the clash of generations, mothers and daughters believing in different things,” Birrell said.
“It takes on cultural issues in the workplace, touches on what was perhaps acceptable in the 50s but is no longer acceptable. It also looks at the financial pressures on marriages; what you want to achieve in your lives together and what’s actually possible according to the income that you can generate.
“And it’s really colourful and exciting to look at. The set is the perfect 1950s dollhouse, the costumes are the swing 50s skirts, the hair’s fabulous… There’s lots of amazing semi-rock and roll, early Elvis, the Platters, we do a bit of dancing as well.
“But the idea that it’s all frothy and fluffy and pink is not accurate. (It’s this) journey of, how do we protect ourselves from the scary world out there by creating a bubble of perfection, and can you maintain it?”
Visit geelongrep.com for tickets and more information.
