Chesil Theatre 
Chesil Theatre, Winchester 
Anne Waggott 
30 September 2024
Barney Cashman (successful, married, middle-aged, middle-class fish restauranteur) is having a midlife crisis, so he decides to resolve it in the most exciting way he can think of… by joining the Sexual Revolution of the late 1960s and indulging in a passionate illicit affair. The trouble is, he really doesn’t know what he’s doing… He chooses his mother’s Upper East Side apartment (empty until 5pm as she’s on shift at the local hospital) as the ‘ideal’ location for his would-be seductions, whilst he remains worried about discovery and his fingers smelling of fish! Over successive weeks, three very different ladies arrive who offer opportunities for Barney to stray; but will he or won’t he…?
Neil Simon was a prolific American playwright, specialising in observational comedy dramas (including amateur theatre staples, Barefoot In The Park and The Odd Couple, both of which Simon further adapted as screenplays). Last Of The Red Hot Lovers is another example of this ilk of play and screenplay, set once again in the late 1960s. There are a number of cultural references in the script for this time period, which may not be appreciated by the very younger members of the audience, and some of the attitudes and views arguably won’t sit so well with modern audiences. However, viewed in context against the backdrop of the era of free love in the Swinging Sixties, Simon’s wit and sharp observations of human nature and relationships are still on point. You don’t have to agree with them to recognise them!
With the play divided into three two-hander scenes, Barney’s ‘progression’ from nervous, guilt-ridden would-be adulterer to confident Casanova is competently and convincingly portrayed by Gary Nicholson. His performance is reminiscent of Jack Klugman in the film version of The Odd Couple, both in mannerisms and voice, which is perfect for the role of Barney. There are clear distinctions in his interactions with each of the three ladies, not just because he becomes more confident with each ‘date’ but also in response to the various characteristic traits of the individual woman.
Cassandra Powers effortlessly switches between assured and neurotic as first date, serial adulterer, foul-mouthed, whisky-swigging, serious smoker Elaine (also married, but that’s not going to stop her lustful quest and antics). Jo-Anna Conyngham brings effervescence and a delightfully ditzy quality to Date No 2, kooky and high-as-a-kite actress Bobbi. Karen Fitzsimmons is superb opposite her real-life husband as Jeanette, wife of Barney’s best friend, Barney’s intellectual equal and potentially the better match for his would-be affair, if it weren’t for the fact that she’s severely depressed and melancholic; her performance is highly comical and yet also pulls at your heart strings with the depth of feeling and powerful observations that the character makes.
Chesil Theatre have gained a well-deserved reputation for excellence in lighting, sound and stagecraft, and that reputation is reinforced with their opening production of the 2024/25 season. The apartment set is dressed with first-class attention to detail (yes, there were touch-button telephones in the ‘60s!), costumes and hair, and a wonderful choice of scene change music firmly establishes that the play is set in the 1960s. (My only quibble is whether the first suit really is blue…) Subtle, yet very well timed, lighting changes with blinds being closed and apartment room lights being switched on, as well as directional sound effects, enhance the ambience and overall impression.
There may be a few Anglicised intonations, but the British members of the cast make valiant attempts with the New York accent (much harder, in my opinion, to master than any other American accent! Growing up in America, I wonder if Cassandra would agree?!). Terry Lohr’s direction, alongside the solid performances and excellent production elements, has ensured an evening of very entertaining and at times poignant situational comedy, and the dialogue flows with a natural pace and dynamics.
Last Of The Red Hot Lovers continues its run at Chesil Theatre in Winchester until Saturday 5 October, with their new curtain up time of 7:30pm.
