REVIEW - Wellingborough Castle theatre's April in Paris

Review: April in Paris at Wellingborough's Castle Theatre

It's been a long time since any of us have been able to enjoy a live performance inside a theatre and fans of comedy, tragedy and farce returned to the Castle Theatre tonight to enjoy the first in the run of April in Paris.

Starring King of the Jungle Joe Pasquale and musical theatre leading lady Sarah Earnshaw, the John Godber play is a gentle return to face-to-face entertainment.

The two-hander goes into the heart of one very ordinary couple’s life as they go on both the journey of a lifetime and a journey into their relationship.

Al (Joe Pasquale) and Bet (Sarah Earnshaw) are in a rut. Married for 26 years the couple bicker and squabble, discontented with their lot they dream of something different.

Unemployed Al is a frustrated artist and 'one grunt short of a pig', wife or 'mate' Bet is the bread winner and desperatly hopes of a better life. Even though they have forgotten how to love, they head for the world's most romantic city when their luck changes.

Using a simple set reflecting colours of the French flag, Joe Pasquale and Sarah Earnshaw take us from their boxy house, on to a cruise ship to the streets of Paris and even up to the top of the Eiffel Tower - all without a set change and the use of only two chairs.

Both actors are engaging and charming as they travel around the city discovering the sights and rediscovering their relationship.

Transporting us from a top Paris restaurant to taking in a saucy show, the actors keep the pace going with the interval-free show flowing with mood music and quick changes.

It was great to be back and the enthusiastic applause of the socially-distanced audience agreed.

Oh, and in a clever twist you will be able to see Joe Pasquale paint a masterpiece before your eyes - that's got to be worth the cost of a ticket alone.

Joe Pasquale and Sarah Earnshaw appear in John Godber's April in Paris, which runs from Friday, June 4 to Sunday, June 6.

Book tickets by clicking here for Limelight Productions' April in Paris, directed by Richard Lewis

​

​