April In Paris

John Godber’s April In Paris is a bittersweet comedy, following the snipes and hopes of middle aged couple Bet and Al, portraying all of the fraying edges of their 28-year marriage – with both too fixed in their ways to change the rocky course they’ve found themselves on. The catalyst of a competition win to Paris brings the opportunity to jump from their ruts, but even the smallest of adjustments seem large to this touchingly crafted couple. Shobna Gulati and Joe McGann are sublime in communicating the frailty and depth of entrenchment Bet and Al reside in, McGann deftly showing the glimpses of fear of losing his partner hidden beneath his bullish exterior and Gulati the resentment yet power of habit that both keeps and pushes her away from their relationship. Their shared apprehension and yet wonder at the French capital is enchanting and delightfully bonding. With the deft directorial touch of writer Godber, this is a touching, funny and heart-tugging appeal for travel to broaden the mind and heart.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 22 July 2014

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