The separate action of both halves is superimposed in the same living area on the set of How the Other Half Loves.
The contrasting couples are “invisible” to each other. Even the sofa is split down the middle; overstuffed and stuffy. It could be confusing but instead, as written by British playwright Alan Ayckbourn, that ingenious device moves the action along and is the most appealing aspect of this production.
A posh couple and a more down-to-earth couple are intertwined by work and an affair. Another innocent couple is implicated in providing alibis, and a domestic farce ensues.
The couples get together separately for dinner, but in a diabolical fusion of timing, both physical and scripted, their meals are simultaneous and avocado salad shares the table with potluck stew.
But the script is heavy on dialogue and it lacked an abundance of zingers for the players to latch on to. Further, the inconsistent British accents of the cast sometimes bogged down the show. However, the players made the utmost of what they had to work with and delivered flawless, impeccably -timed performances.
Rob McClure plays the obtuse Frank Foster with gusto; he’s a bit of a blitheringly posh, absent minded and in-denial character who means well but just wants to get on with his dinner.
Marlene Handrahan is Fiona Foster, Frank’s wife of little faith. She portrays a well heeled spouse with typical flair.
Drayton Entertainment favourite Keith Savage is the enjoyably nerdy and innocent William Featherstone. Savage is known for his hilarious physicality and contorting facial expressions. He did not appear until late in the first act, and was missed. His part, although humorous, did not call for a manic performance such as in past Drayton Entertainment roles such as One for the Pot or Peter Pan, even though his diverse talent also lends itself to serious roles such as in Twelve Angry Men.
Lisa Horner is the terribly shy and innocent-of-all-wrongdoing Mary Featherstone. She is a study in facial expressions as well. Featherstone is a passive character who dominates the stage with her hilarious delivery. With a vast repertoire of theatre and TV behind her, she was also recognized as the lady in the famous “Start the car” commercial for Ikea.
David Snelgrove plays Bob Phillips, Fiona’s tryst partner. He has the swagger of a lout down pat.
Making her Drayton Entertainment debut is Daniela Vlaskalic, as his loudly suspicious 1970s housewife.
Director James Kall has bound the actors together in a clever show, making the complex look simple and legible.
The set, designed by Steve Lucas, is a composite space that looks like a single living area. Small props such as wine glasses versus juice glasses or a doorbell versus a buzzer convey much. He has resourcefully relayed the notions of the writer successfully.
How the Other Half Loves runs for three weeks only, until Aug. 13. For tickets call the box office at 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or visit www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com.
