Review by Greg Gorton
It’s a simple and relatable premise - a couple well into the comfortable stage of their relationship cannot make the simple choice of what food to get for dinner. They’ve decided neither wants to cook, are ravenously hungry, and say “they don’t mind”, but it is clear they don’t.
I love simple ideas like these, because the writers can draw so many ideas from them. James Hazelden found a show that was a little Vaudeville, a little absurdist, and a little farcical, while rarely failing to keep the conversations true to life. A Couple Decides What To Have For Dinner is filled with little conversations about “what constitutes soup”, “how spicy you want the food” and the uselessness of flipping a coin are incredibly relatable, quite reminiscent of the old television show Seinfeld, and I am sure will lead to conversations between couples on the way home.
Even when the conversation veers away from food and into discussions about relationships and the future, the segues are natural, and the road back to the main premise is smooth. There are a few rants and more politically-charged conversations that feel less natural, and more like preaching to the audience. However, these are short diversions and could arguably be forgiven as the quirks of a relationship which involves the pleasure of agreeing with each other. With a high pace and conversations that seamlessly flow into and out of each other, I’m not surprised that I found the play ending and asked “Wait, was that an hour already?”
Of course, this clever little script would not work without two actors who could keep in sync with each other. While it is true that Amanda Buckley and Chris Saxton have chemistry, and are certainly believable as a couple years into their marriage, their real strength lies in the shared trust and confidence to deliver perfectly timed lines. The witty and sometimes fast-paced banter appears to be delivered word perfect. Their physical acting is also quite impressive for a couple that spends the whole night on the two-seat lounge chair in the middle of the stage.
This show does rely a lot on jokes and banters, but it was so enjoyable to see characterisation was not left by the wayside. Chris plays a man who genuinely wants to see his wife happy, looks up to her, and is afraid of how empty his life would be without out. Amanda plays a woman scared of ending up like her peers, who are miserable, is scared that Chris only married her because she was there, and worries that she is too demanding (even though she clearly is not). What I love about these characters is that their flaws are not the focus of the play - no, it is how each character protects the others from the flaws, reassures the other, and ultimately uplifts them. In a world of fictional relationships filled with cynicism, it is a breath of fresh air to experience one so wholesome. While part of this is found in the script, yes, a large part of it comes from the two actors who internalise these aspects and make every line slightly tinted by these motivations and trepidations.
Yes, between these impressive comedic actors and some insightful directing by the writer, the show pulls off a feat which is generally difficult - making a mostly static blocking work for an entire fifty minutes. Knowing that this should be the element of the show the audience must pay attention to, the production avoids over complicating the set, and the elements of sound design are used only to take certain jokes to the next level. This isn’t a show that ever once relies on gimmicks, and it really helps highlight the quality of the script.
For a wholesome little comedy play that will give you some laughs and ultimately make you feel good about life, I would definitely recommend A Couple Decides What To Have For Dinner.
