Review of Waiting for God at Leatherhead Theatre

It is such a treat to be able to have dinner with my family before leaving for the theatre, rather than bolting down a sandwich and a coffee as I rush off to the West End. Yes, hoorah, proper theatre has returned to Leatherhead.

The three week Rep season begins with Waiting for God a new stage adaption by Michael Aitkens who wrote the hit television sit-com. The play is set in a retirement village on the South Coast and opens with Diana (Claire Dyson) sitting out on her veranda bemoaning her lot. She is a feisty lady who has lived an action-packed life as a war correspondent and she clearly is not happy to just sit here and wait for God. She does not want to be told what to do and is not at all popular with Harvey (Samuel Lane) who runs the retirement village. In return, she finds Harvey and the fussy care worker Jane (Emma Mulkern) extremely irritating.

Life takes a turn for Diana when Tom Ballard (Edmund Dehn) moves into the next suite. She initially tries to keep him at arm’s length but is eventually charmed by him and their relationship develops romantically to the horror of Harvey and Jane. All the action is punctuated with constant visits to the local hospital for new hips, a new baby, heart scares and prostate trouble.

Claire Dyson didn’t really come across as a senior citizen she seemed far too youthful, but she warmed to her role and by the second half I was convinced. Edmund Dehn is absolutely charming as Tom, no wonder Diana couldn’t resist him. There are also excellent performances by Emma Mulkern as Jane and Hannah Brackstone-Brown as Dianna’s niece
Sarah.

We are very lucky to have the opportunity to see live theatre locally and I hope this season gets the support it deserves.

Review by Sally Knipe

WAITING FOR GOD
by Michael Aitkens
From the writer of the hit TV sitcom comes this new, hilarious and touching stage adaptation. Diana and Tom navigate their latter years at the retirement home and handle the questionable management team.
Tuesday 6th to Saturday 10th November 7.30pm
(plus a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday)

In Rep with
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN MUSICAL
by Edith Nesbit adapted by Dave Simpson
Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th November 10.30am
Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th November 7.30pm
(plus a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday)

SEASON’S GREETINGS
by Alan Ayckbourn
Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th November 7.30pm

6th to 24th November 2018
Book tickets online or Telephone 01372 365141