The Kitchen Sink tells the story of a working-class family, living in the north of England, who are struggling trying to realise their dreams for a better life. Martin is facing the failure of his milk delivery business; his kids, Billy and Sophie, are striving to achieve their career ambitions with uncertain success. And his wife Kath, is just trying to keep them all on track. The whole while their kitchen sink just keeps malfunctioning. Enter Pete, a shy and slightly love-struck plumber, called on for repairs which tend to be required at the most hostile times.

A charmingly tender and irresistibly funny play, about big dreams and small changes. Amid the dreaming, dramas and dirty dishes, something has to give. But will it be Kath or the kitchen sink?

As I entered the theatre, I was dazzled by the incredibly detailed set of the kitchen in the family home, down to the smoke alarm on the ceiling and fully functioning fridge!   It made the home look extremely authentic which was really impressive.   The ongoing theme of the play was the family’s love of Dolly Parton and each scene change featured a snippet of a Dolly Parton song and a photo on the wall as part of the set.  

To the cast, in the role of the mother, Kath, Lousie Gracey played the role with precision as she weaved her way through emotions such as confusion, happiness and anguish.  I found her performance hilarious and also captivating.  

As her husband Martin, Tim Byron had brilliant comic timing making the audience in all the right places.  He acted the role with everything he had and what I particularly loved about his performance was towards the end when he became more vulnerable.  By the end of the he show he became charming and his tone, especially his voice, completely changed and it was great to watch.

As daughter Sophie, Jessica Stearl had great stage presence and delivered her lines with clarity.  As the confused young girl, I found her physicality in showing her emotions a particular highlight.  She showed poise and charisma in her performance which is highly admirable.  

As Pete the plumber, I really loved Rhys Carter’s anxious portrayal as he always tried to impress Sophie with little gestures and his ability to fix the sink.  As the show went on his frustration with Sophie grew and I loved his ability to ease into different emotions and go on the emotional roller coaster his character had to go through.  

My favourite was John Murphy as Billy.  I was transfixed by his performance as I thought he was the most that grew throughout when he finally stood up to his dad at the end.  His portrayal went from scared and vulnerable Billy to brave and confident Billy.  He even used his body physically differently as the show went on which made it easy to tell that his state of mind was changing and he was growing in confidence.  

Director Keith Hutton has put on a very high standard production and assembled a cast of skilled and talented actors,  I commend Brighton Theatre Company for showing that using a small performance doesn’t have to limit the performance