Review // Barking in Essex
Last night I took a trip 'up West" to see Barking in Essex with some friends from work. It was a last minute decision with my ticket only being booked the night before and I was lucky enough to pick a great seat too.
So on to the show. Firstly if you are not a fan of strong language and in particular the 'C' word this is not for you. It was the second word uttered on stage and littered the dialogue throughout.
Featuring an all star cast including the fabulous Sheila Hancock and comedian Lee Evans each actor were able to hold the stage. This is not a show with multiple acts, changing staging or any song and dance routines so each of the actor had to be at the top of their game. Sheila Hancocks delivery of a witty line was exceptional.
About an Essex family and their criminal activities it was great fun watching Keeley Hawes speaking in something other than her usual well spoken tongue and f'ing and blinding with the rest of them.
I laughed throughout the performance although I must confess that the second half lost something of it's lustre, it pretty much turned into the Lee Evans show. I'm not a fan of his style of comedy and his character was very much the usual performance you are used to from him; silly faces, walks etc so I was never going to be bowled over by that.
With a dark twist and sudden ending you are left wondering 'what happens next' which was nice to the usual song and dance finales of my the musical I usually veer to on theatre trips.
If you're look for a good belly laugh, can find some special offers for tickets (we found ours here - remember to apply the special offer) and need something to do one evening and fancy a trip to the theatre I'd definitely recommend this show.
I'd love to hear from anyone who's been to see Barking in Essex and what you thought and even more so, what should I see on my next trip to the theatre.