Stepping back into the 1812 Theatre always feels like visiting an old friend. The intimate, homely atmosphere, the friendly welcome, and the theatre’s quaint charm make it one of my favourite places to see a show. Their latest production, Home, I’m Darling, written by Laura Wade, is a witty and layered dark comedy that blends retro glamour with modern reality.
Billed as “a new dark comedy about sex, cake and the quest to be the perfect 1950s housewife,” the play follows Judy and Johnny – a couple living in a meticulously curated 1950s dream world. Behind the gingham curtains, Judy dedicates herself to being a domestic goddess, baking cakes, keeping house, and dressing in perfect vintage style. At first glance, it feels like we’ve stepped back in time, but it soon becomes clear that this is no flashback, Judy and Johnny are living this life in the present day.
It took me a little while to piece together exactly what was happening with the storyline, but once the concept clicked, it became a fascinating exploration of nostalgia, fantasy, and the realities of relationships. Every marriage needs a little fantasy to keep it sparkling but this play asks what happens when fantasy starts to clash with practicality.
The cast delivered warm, believable performances. Danielle Payet was magnetic as Judy, capturing both the charm of her idealism and the vulnerability beneath it. Rob Blowers brought an understated sincerity to Johnny, balancing humour with frustration as he navigated the strains of their lifestyle. Susan Collier and Thomas O’Hare (as Fran and Marcus) provided plenty of comedic spark, while Gen Ryan shone as Judy’s pragmatic mother, Sylvia, delivering some of the play’s sharpest lines. Teghan Webster rounded out the cast beautifully as Alex, adding another perspective to the story’s central themes.
Visually, the production was a treat. The set was a vintage enthusiast’s dream, every prop, colour, and costume choice perfectly evoked the 1950s aesthetic. This meticulous attention to detail grounded the play’s central conceit and gave it irresistible charm.
While some scene transitions were a little slow, they didn’t detract too much from the overall flow. The production struck a thoughtful balance between light comedy and more poignant moments, offering both laughs and food for thought.
Home, I’m Darling at the 1812 Theatre is an engaging, funny, and visually delightful production. It may take a moment to settle into its unique world, but once you do, it’s a rewarding journey that lingers long after the final curtain.
