2019 June Dinner

REVIEW: Dinner by Workington Playgoers, at the Theatre Royal until tomorrow

Workington Playgoers have a delicious black comedy at the town’s Theatre Royal. Dinner is a modern play by Moira Buffini. The language in the play is explicit at times, but director Morgan Sweeney, who also takes the part of micro-biologist Hal, has said that along with modern plays comes modern language and while this play will not be to

everyone’s taste, it is necessary for the theatre to vary its repertoire to attract different audiences.

The comedy chiller is set at a dinner party, under the guise of a celebratory meal, given by host Paige, to toast the success of her husband’s new philosophy book, Beyond Belief.

Guests at the macabre dinner party are all middle class. They are free-thinking artist Wynne, played incredibly believably by Alison Shutt, detached newsreader Sian, played by Karen Mountfound, her mismatched husband micro-biologist Hal, and philosopher Lars, played by Stewart Grant, all joining acidic host Paige, portrayed by Jacqui Walker.

On the menu is Primordial Soup, followed by Apocalypse of Lobster and, for dessert, Frozen Waste. A surprise guest crashes into their party, and their observations provide the group with plenty of food for thought. With an ominous waiter proceeding over the event, doubt is cast on the possibility of the night ending happily.

While this play might not appeal to everyone the theatre has to move with the times, so it is to the credit of the Playgoers to attempt something so different. The play runs until June 15, with tickets available from the box office or on the door.

LYNNE WILD Times & Star