(seen at the afternoon performance on 25th July 2026)
Anthropology was the fashionable subject to study at university in the 1970s. This slice of human behavioural study is a fine example of this introspective decade.
The play started life at the original Hampstead Theatre Club in 1977, but is best known as a BBC TV “Play of the Week.” Oddly, it is now remembered as a sitcom, when in fact it is a drama with a little comedy and some very deep social insights on aspirations and relationships.
Mike Leigh’s work has more than a tinge of David Attenborough. He hides behind a beanbag to better observe rituals of the aspiring suburban classes.
Particularly in Beverly’s (Tamzin Outhwaite) stalking of new neighbour Tony (Oma Malik) for a dance, we see primal behaviour in its rawest form – an unfulfilled need for affection at the very least.
Peter McKintosh gives us a proper 1970s middle class lounge for the soiree. Lowry and Van Gogh prints are on the wall (“Wings of Love” is too rude, thus banished upstairs). Modular shelving bisects the room, hifi and matched book club hardbacks, LPs below.
A modern radiator is the only anachronism, but a great indicator of new money wealth.
Authentic drinks and snacks flow, oiling social interaction until we slide off into far bleaker areas of regret and self-recrimination.
In some ways a better world, with surprises at how much things have changed. House prices are an easy giggle, altering social job statuses far more interesting.
Tony left Crystal Palace Football Club first team aged 20. He might have earned £100 a week – 3 times the national average back then. That is £50,000 to £100,000 now – six times… and he would be unlikely to end up meeting Angela (Lauren Patel), if the tabloids are to be believed.
Neighbour Sue (Pandora Colin) is the most grounded person present. Fascinatingly anachronistic to the modern eye, with received pronunciation and tightly concealed emotions. Battling daughter Abigail’s teenage years, Colin is weary and compelling.
He friendship with Abigail demonstrates the strong neighbourhood bonds of the era. A school class-like society formed through accident of timing and location.
Certainly, the contrast is huge. Outhwaite is outstanding as an extrovert woman, frustrated with husband Laurence (Kevin Bishop – who makes dull compelling). A provider, but not the sparky (sexy) turn-on she craves.
Both he and the other husband present are entirely ignorant of female needs, considering their presence enough.
Malik, as Tony, not only turns both monosyllabic but also avoiding unwanted drunken advances into an art. If this is about the women, there is a mirror play begging to be written from their perspective.
Lauren Patel allows her nurse character to become more than a shrill hopeful, making us wonder where her and Tony may find themselves in the future.
And this is the enduring fascination of the piece. We may chuckle at the house prices (£21,000, we got them down from £22,000), fashions and music.
Yet it leaves us nostalgic for a simpler – and often fairer time – in terms of life chances. These are young people with hope and now unimaginable freedoms from state intervention in their lives.
The flickers of gender equality are happening, they can generate wealth and hard work pays.
We know these people and care that their lives will resolve. We leave wondering and hopeful, learning a little about our own relationships.
Not bad for a night in, and what Nadia Fall does with Leigh’s work is worth raising a Bacardi and Coke for.
4 stars.
Photo credit: Ellie Katz.