Repression, hidden affairs and ennui in suburbia
Set in one room across the course of one night, David Shopland’s Cul-de-Sac is a snarky take on English suburbia. As the wine keeps flowing, we watch as the carefully constructed lives – and lies – of the residents of Northwood Hills begin to unravel, writes Melina Block.
The claustrophobia of suburban living has proved a popular topic for art for centuries. In many ways, it would be easy to group the aptly-named Cul-de-Sac into this particular genre of middle class satire. There’s Ruth (Shereen Roushbaiani), the unfulfilled, bored housewife, longing for more; her curtain-twitching, hot-tempered husband, Frank (Ellis J. Wells); their pious, Christian neighbour, Marie (Lucy Farrett); and their other neighbour, the repressed, bumbling Simon (Callum Patrick Hughes).
Shopland’s witty writing, coupled with the cast’s dynamic chemistry and comedic timing, ensures that this play is not restricted by stereotypes or cliches. The introduction of Hamza (Behkam Salehani) at the end of the first half proves to be the tipping point, as tensions finally boil over, allowing us to witness the characters drunkenly delve into unresolved trauma, reveal hidden affairs and navigate racial tensions.
Although the second half of the play feels like it could do with some trimming in order to maintain the punchy, quick pace of the first half, the performances of the cast are consistently engaging, breathing life into their characters. Refusing to conform to one dimensional archetypes, each person delivers emotionally complex performances, deftly portraying the morally grey attitudes and actions of each character.
Every actor on stage manages to deliver a memorable performance, highlighting the funny side of their situations while injecting earnest moments of pathos as they uncover their buried secrets. None of the play feels especially groundbreaking, with most of the themes and personalities covering ideas that have been explored several times, but ultimately that does not hinder the show. Not every production needs to be saying or doing something revolutionary; an entertaining narrative and strong performances can be enough to carry a piece.
Cul-de-Sac is a smart, funny and thoughtful play, touching on universal themes in a way that doesn’t feel too heavy or preachy. Even if topics of repression, identity and the ennui of suburbia have been discussed at length already, there is a reason that people keep coming back to them for artistic inspiration. And, when done right, they can provide the foundation for a thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre.
Omnibus Theatre, 1 Clapham Common North Side, London SW4 0QW until 14th June.
Booking and full details: https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/cul-de-sac/
