REVIEW: RELATIVELY SPEAKING @ THE QUESTORS THEATRE

🎭 Relatively Speaking

📍 The Studio, The Questors Theatre, 12 Mattock Lane, Ealing, London, W5 5BQ

🗓 Sunday 11th May 2025

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THE QUESTORS AT ITS BEST

RELATIVELY SPEAKING is one of Alan Ayckbourn's best known plays and the team at The Questors Theatre in Ealing are currently putting on a production of this laugh out loud play.

It's set in the 1960s, but is timeless and the comedy transcends the decades. The play is in three acts and in what seems to be a recurring theme with Ayckbourn, the opening act is slightly slower paced. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as it creates intrigue for what's to come and wonderfully sets up the following acts which are brilliantly funny.

This is a classic story of misunderstanding and mistaken identities which had the audience roaring with laughter. The secrets of the story are quickly apparent to those of us watching which somehow makes it even funnier. The confusion on the stage is portrayed brilliantly in the piece and being staged in the round somehow made this even better.

The acting on display by this talented cast was fantastic. As Greg, Adam Keenan gloriously displayed his character's naivety and innocence, while Emily Sanctuary has a magnificently expressive face as Ginny which shows the panic she feels. The two are believable and likeable as a couple.

Robert Seatter was wonderfully eccentric as Philip but the standout performance for me came from Helen Walker as Sheila. The hilarious bewilderment on her face was joyous to witness. She had fantastic comic timing throughout and yet manages to keep the character firmly rooted in reality.

I have seen a few productions produced by The Questors Theatre now and I am always impressed by them, but I have to say that RELATIVELY SPEAKING is my favourite one to date. Every aspect of the production has obviously been meticulously thought through. The set and the costumes perfectly represented the era, without resorting to an over-the-top sixties stereotype.

The impressive direction never forgets that the audience surrounds the action and I'm sure that no matter where you are sat in the theatre, nothing is missed and you'll never feel forgotten about. The lighting design was simple but perfect and the whole thing was just an enjoyable experience from start to finish.

RELATIVELY SPEAKING continues performances until Saturday 17th May. If you've never seen a production from The Questors Theatre before then this is the perfect time to discover them and their glorious calibre of artistry. Click here for more information and to book tickets.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Relatively Speaking was gifted by The Questors Theatre who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST LIST:

Adam Keenan as Greg; Emily Sanctuary as Ginny; Helen Walker as Sheila; Robert Seatter as Philip

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 15 minutes, including two 10 minute intervals