It’s been over a decade since Tom Wells’ The Kitchen Sink premiered at the Bush Theatre, but other than a couple of references to beloved high street retailer Woolworths, it’s a play that’s hardly aged a day since its first outing. Directed by Caroline Leslie, this deliciously funny play is currently being revived at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.
With this appropriately titled play, Wells has given the ‘kitchen sink drama’ a contemporary twist. In place of the ‘angry young men’ we find a family of northerners, all of whom have aspirations, but in nearly every case, are failing to make those dreams become a reality.
“Nobody needs a milk man anymore” Kath (Sally George), who has a penchant for unusual cooking, tells husband Martin (Ken Bradshaw). But for a man who has spent 25 years on the same milk round, that statement, and the loss of his milk float, leaves a sour taste.
Their son Billy (Dominic Jones) is off to art college, taking his love of Dolly Parton with him, and daughter Sophie (Matilda Tucker) was so close to gaining her Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu, if only she hadn’t punched the examiner. The only non-family member to feature is plumber Pete (Joseph Reed), and he’s not without problems either, his Jay-Z loving grandma is potentially a drug dealer.
Wells’ ability to capture the northern voice and down to earth humour is astounding. The language and pace are so naturally comfortable, it’s as if the audience have been welcomed around the homely kitchen table, and feel able to laugh and cry along with each of the characters.
What The Kitchen Sink does incredibly well is portray a group of people who have each found themselves without a place in the world but are not prepared to give up without a fight. There’s real heart to this and its very easy to recognise ourselves in at least one of the characters.
At one point Sally George as Kath delivers a furious monologue about how hard she’s tried to keep her family together; it goes someway to explain why she’s served Sushi for Christmas dinner – out of a genuine desire for her family to come together and share. But more importantly it sums up the importance of family being there for one another.
Pete isn’t technically part of the family, but his inclusion is crucial in demonstrating how families don’t have to be bonded by blood. Joseph Reed delivers a superb performance in the role, confidently portraying Pete’s lack of self confidence and seemingly hopeless vulnerability.
All of the action takes place in the family’s typically working class kitchen, designed in perfect detail by Zoë Hurwitz. Hanging pride of place is Billy’s portrait of Dolly Parton, and each scene change is accompanied by one of Dolly’s hits. It could have been easy for Wells to write Billy as an outsider because of his sexuality, but instead the character is a fully accepted member of the family and the play is richer for it. Dominic Jones’ wonderful portrayal of Billy as slightly gormless and potentially too weak gives us moments of both comedy and tenderness.
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s production of The Kitchen Sink gives us another chance to immerse ourselves in the beauty of Tom Wells’ writing, and this accomplished cast do justice to a play that’s overflowing with laughs and bursting with heart.
The Kitchen Sink is at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch until 2nd April 2022.
