Woman in Mind

Published Thursday 11 September 2008 at 16:30 by Kevin Berry

A timely revival, in Alan Ayckbourn’s final year as artistic director, for a play that marked a turning point in his writing career.

First performed in 1985, Woman in Mind was far bleaker than any previous Ayckbourn play. It is at once unsettling and deeply funny - 20 years ago it might have seemed deeply disturbing, but not so much now.

Vicar’s wife Susan deals with a humdrum, frustrated existence by creating a nigh on perfect imaginary family in which she is loved, happy and successful. Reality worsens, her two worlds collide and she has a complete mental breakdown.

Janie Dee is quite outstanding as Susan. Her performance is beautifully paced and toned. Ayckbourn’s skilled direction ensures her a mood of uncertainty throughout. The final, crazily nightmarish scene, an imagined wedding, has everyone on stage and has a touch of Alice in Wonderland about it.

The cast is studded with Ayckbourn regulars. John Branwell is wonderfully, cringingly pompous and self satisfied as the real husband. Bill Champion is perfect as the imagined, dreamboat husband. And there is a welcome appearance from Joanna David, a mannered delight as the frumpy sister-in-law.

Paul Kemp has the juiciest part as Bill, the bewildered doctor summoned when Susan first collapses. Hapless and unloved, he is the quintessential Ayckbourn character. He does not know how to be happy.

Roger Glossop designs, the same Roger Glossop who designed Woman in Mind for the West End in 1986. A nice touch, but tinged with sadness - for it is an era that is coming to an end.