Four friends, two couples, an elaborate secret history between them, and a lot of wine - what could possibly go wrong? With a strong script by Susanne Crosby (who also directs), and confident performances from the cast,
the finale deserved a full onslaught given the high stakes. Unfortunately what we were treated to was damp squib
Much like Samuel Beckett’s twentieth century classic, from which this play derives its name, Waiting For Curry sees a group of people burdened with a difficult task - to wait, in this case for an Indian takeaway rather than a mysterious stranger named Godot.
We open with Chris, an uptight and organised accountant, convincingly played by Kerri Frost, downing her first large glass of wine, making little attempt to hide her contempt for husband Rob (Matt Grief). An ominously legato doorbell sound marks the arrival of our second couple, Sue (Sarah Griffin) and Phil (Ben Cassan), preceding a rather clunky section in which the quartet decides on what food to order, which feels slightly awkward and wooden before the actors settle in to the play’s enjoyably natural rhythm.
“They say money doesn’t buy you happiness, but it does mean you can be miserable in comfort”. Rob’s cynical motto introduces a key theme in the play. Sue and Phil’s relationship is comedically portrayed as a sort of comfortable misery, offering a welcome light relief.
As the wine begins to flow, the characters become more honest and reveal their true feelings through a series of internal monologues, which unfortunately felt jarring and over performed in the intimate venue. Instead, the small theatre lent itself more to subtlety, which was well executed in a tender scene between Rob and Sue, as they reminisce on their shared past.
As the tensions rise, the finale deserved a full onslaught given the high stakes. Unfortunately what we were treated to was damp squib as Rob and Chris have a brief argument, then hug and make up almost instantly. Though the ending needs work, Waiting For Curry offers an entertaining balance of comedy and tragedy, and an enjoyable evening of theatre.
