Barefoot In The Park Review – The Mill At Sonning

You all know that one of my favourites theatres to visit is The Mill At Sonning In Reading. The UK’s only dinner theatre in a converted mill that still has a spinning waterwheel feature. All show tickets include a delicious two course meal, and the current show is Barefoot In The Park. A romantic comedy by Neil Simon, the play premiered on Broadway before being made into a film. Barefoot In The Park is running until 20^th August and is directed by Robin Herford.

Newlyweds Corrie and Paul Bratter are excited to begin their new life together in an apartment in Manhattan. Despite a six-flight climb, busted heating and a hole in their skylight, nothing can quash their bliss, or can it. Paul is a straight-laced lawyer whilst Corrie is a romantic free-spirit, and it’s a classic case of opposites attract. Corrie decides to set up her conservative mother with their eccentric bohemian neighbour, Mr Velasco. A wild night out ends up showing Corrie and Paul just how different they are. The young couple must learn to embrace their differences or get a divorce.

I do love a trip to The Mill but sadly this show just didn’t capture like past productions have. I struggled with the lack of a storyline and was left with a sense of what is the point. I would say this is a fundamental issue with the original writing though rather than any of the cast or crew. Like all shows at The Mill the set was expertly designed, with this production designed by Michael Holt.

Hannah Pauley and Jonny Labey play the newlywed couple and have great chemistry on stage. The character of Corrie is quite over the top in her mannerisms, but Hannah does quite in portraying the role. She brings the comedy and can switch her emotions and behaviour in line with what’s needed in the moment. Jonny has a great range and transitions well with the mood changes as the show progresses. They both contributed to making the performance really enjoyable.

Completing the cast is Rachel Fielding as Mrs Banks, James Simmons as Victor Velasco, and Oliver Stanley as Harry Pepper. Harry Pepper is the telephone engineer who despite having a smaller role makes a big impact and is very memorable. James Simmons steals the scene as the oddball neighbour capturing both the audience and the female characters. Rachel Fielding is great in the role of Corrie’s judgement mother, and she gives great micro expressions.

The story of Barefoot In The Park could really do with being brought into the 21^st century. The plot is minimal, and both the interval and ending are surprisingly abrupt. But the show is well acted with a comedic cast that are extremely talented. They made the most of what they had to work with and saved it from being a lost cause. I will always recommend a trip to The Mill At Sonning, but this wasn’t my favourite show at the venue.

⭐⭐

Photo Credit: Andreas Lambis Photography