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Bradford-born J.B. Priestley is a playwright famed for his wry comedies and social dramas that seem to endure no matter what the year. Two of his major works enjoyed London success in 2009, with ‘Time and the Conways’ being shown at the National Theatre and ‘An Inspector Calls’ at the Novello Theatre.

This latest revival of When We Are Married at the Garrick Theatre features an all-star cast including Maureen Lipman, Michelle Dotrice and David Horovitch. UKTickets went along last week to see the show.

A Play Bursting With Comedy Talent

From the beginning, the big names of When We Are Married never fail to live up to their billing Not one of the six principles can be faulted. Michelle Dotrice is wonderful as put-upon wife Annie Parker, who seizes the chance to rebel against her insufferable husband. Maureen Lipman gives an outstanding performance as Clara Soppitt, with some truly hilarious facial expressions as each new revelation is laid bare.  Meanwhile, Roy Hudd displays a mastery of physical comedy as local photographer Henry Ormonroyd, a man more interested in alcohol than the finer points of picture taking.

A Lavish Set and a Glowing Production

Simon Higlett's set - a living room where all the action takes place - is of a very high standard, busy with pictures and lampshades and the glow of stained glass. Under Christopher Luscmbe's direction, the actors thrive and successfully play up the warmth and humour of Priestley’s original story. This is a funny yet thought provoking play where the sanctity of marriage and the traditional man-wife roles are colourfully explored by a veteran cast bursting with comedy talent.

Yorkshire Born and Wed!

When We Are Married is set in 1908 in a small Yorkshire town. Three respectable couples, the Parkers, Soppitts and Helliwells, are about to celebrate their silver wedding anniversaries. Confusion ensues when the couples discover that they were never legally married, and social embarrassment is followed by a dawning awareness that their lives don’t have to stay the same.