WOKINGHAM Theatre presents a Christmas show with sprouts.
And turkey, with all the trimmings – but possibly not on a plate.
The group’s dark comedy, Rules For Living, promises to paint a perfect picture of seasonal dysfunction.
First performed at the National Theatre in 2015, it takes a wry and comical look at the way people cope with life, and especially with that special event, the family Christmas dinner.
I sit with director Alan Long in a quiet corner of the theatre bar to discuss the play.
A rehearsal is in progress nearby.
“I was looking for a Christmas show,” Alan says.
“This one about a disastrous family gathering is so funny.
“Rules For Living is quite new, and it’s really well written, a quality piece of drama.
“It’s about a middle class Christmas meal that goes disastrously wrong.”
The story takes place during a family’s festive lunch.
Gathered round the table are a highly strung mother, her husband, their two sons and their partners.
This should be a scene of celebration.
But it turns into a riot when an incident sparks fury between the already tense mix of individuals.
As if to prove this, an actor is clearly heard to say: “Would you prefer sprouts or stuffing squashed into your face?
“Or maybe a few roast potatoes?”
“The family tensions do come to a head in this major crisis,” smiles Alan.
“But there’s also a really interesting twist in this play.
“Every character has a rule by which they live.”
Alan explains that each of the family members must follow the rules under which they operate, despite being unaware of this.
The audience, however, is fully aware, because the rules are displayed on a projector behind the action.
“Some of the comedy comes from the fact that the audience knows so much about what is going on when they see these rules, or coping mechanisms, played out,” continues Alan.
By now screams and shrieks are coming from the auditorium.
“It’s a food fight rehearsal,” Alan explains, “for a scene which is at one level serious, but also a classic piece of comedy slapstick.
“We are very lucky to have the expertise of Claire Llewelyn from Rc-Annie, a fight and intimacy company that trains actors in the West End.
“This is a difficult and challenging play, but rehearsals are going very well indeed.
“We have a fantastic cast who are having to learn a lot of extra techniques as well as going through the normal character rehearsals.
“They cope with numerous layers of behaviour that force them to think on multiple levels all the time.”
“It’s possibly the most difficult piece I have ever directed.”
As we join the rehearsal, two actors are by now grappling on the floor, learning the safest way to force feed someone from a wine bottle without damaging their teeth.
It’s clear that they are not only skillfully managing this with the help of their instructor, Claire, but that they are finding the whole process highly entertaining.
“Christmas lunch is an event many people struggle with,” laughs Alan.
“If you’ve ever had a bad one, this play should make you feel much better.”
Rules For Living promises to be a riot.
It is performed at Wokingham Theatre, from Thursday, December 8 to Saturday, December 17, with tickets costing £15.
For tickets and information visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on: 0118 978 5363.
