A Taste Of Honey - Oldham

Reviewed By: Natalie Anglesey

In the fifties, Joan Littlewood recognised Shelagh Delaney’s work as that rare thing, a female voice exploring taboo subjects like a mixed race relationship, teenage pregnancy, alcohol abuse and homosexuality.

Littlewood’s successful production was followed by Tony Richardson’s award-winning film version starring Rita Tushingham and Oldham’s Dora Bryan who was there to see the launch of this new production.

Liz Ashcroft excels with an ambitious design for a touring production which sets the scene of a back-street flat in Salford, home to a collection of misfits.

Samantha Robinson is convincing as Jo, a cross between schoolgirl and woman, who covers her mother’s painful neglect with a tough exterior. It must have been difficult for Samantha Giles, to play her mother, Helen, in front of the actress who memorably created her on screen, but the scenes with her daughter were realistically played although she looked rather too glamorous for the role.

Andonis Anthony captures the essence of Peter, Helen’s alcoholic husband, whilst Chris Jack is good as Jo’s boyfriend. Young Bruno Langley uses thick-rimmed spectacles, to disguise his Coronation Street persona and plays Geoffrey, Jo’s gay flatmate, with sincerity.

Stuart Wood’s production began well but the pace dropped in the second half because of a great deal of unnecessary business and a tendency for characters to walk through walls established in the previous act. However, a tightening of pace and a few adjustments will greatly benefit this production before it goes on tour.

© The Stage, 24/4/06

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