The Stage

Tomorrow Morning

Published Friday 14 July 2006 at 12:40 by Paul Vale

Laurence Mark Wythe’s new musical deals with two couples whose lives are about to change forever. One couple, John and Catherine are about to sign a decree absolute while Kat and Jack are about to tie the knot. This relatively simple premise, imaginatively staged and presented provides a perfect setting for a selection of Wythe’s searing ballads and snappy, insightful comedy numbers.

Nick Winston’s direction on an intimate stage is seemless and the minimal choreography works perfectly on Philip Witcomb’s wonderful split set design. The performances are excellent throughout, with Alistair Robins and Annette McLaughlin bristling with remorse and bitterness, while in flashback The Time is Coming makes for an hysterical musical look at sex during marriage.

Stephen Ashfield and Emma Williams, nervous and uncertain, wrestle with the concept of a future together with Ashfield asking Where Do I Hide the Porn? Williams, in particular connects to the piece and her ballad, When I’m a Bride, is sure to bring a tear to the eye.

If there is a weakness to the storyline it might be the final conceit as the identity of the two couples is revealed but this is simply nit-picking at what is a remarkably successful collaboration of all-round talent.

Taking a step back there is something a little unsettling about two couples who appear to have no circle of friends or family to offer support the night before two very momentous occasions creating a rather soulless, perhaps even sterile environment for the narrative to develop.