A sensational set and stellar cast let down by an outdated script
A stunning theatre tucked away on the river Thames, a trip to The Mill is always a wonderful experience. Accompanied by a full lunch or dinner, when you book to see a show at The Mill, you’re always in for a delightful evening or afternoon. The productions are typically light comedies, playing to the slightly older demographic that frequents the venue with huge success.
Their latest production of Don’t Rock The Boat, fits neatly into this category. A rather lengthy comedy by Robin Hawdon, this play tells the story of two families staying on a houseboat for a weekend and the drama that ensues. Set in the mid 90s, director Sally Hughes ‘thought about updating it’ but decided it perfectly fits the time period, adding that it also rings true to the current times. Unfortunately this play would’ve felt dated even in the 90s, and now even more so fails to grip an audience with frequent references to ‘housewives’ and talk of how supermarkets are considered both modern and unnecessary.
Although the play lacks enough substance to make this a stellar production, the cast certainly try their best. A tight ensemble, they are given an absolutely spectacular set by Jackie Hutson to play with. A practically life-sized barge bordered by a grassy bank and real water running below, it’s an impressively detailed creation.
Although the stereotypes run rife in this play, the actors portray them with integrity and truth. The two daughters, one the uptight ‘wimp’ Wendy (Hannah Brown), the other the reckless truant Shirley (Francesca Barrett), create a nice dynamism to the piece, with so much taken up by shouting matches between the tyrannical captain Arthur (Steven Pinder) and various other characters. Rachel Fielding also brings a captivating authenticity to the role of Carol Coombes, with a well-executed emotional arc that creates the most believable character in the cast.
Despite a slightly underwhelming play, a visit to The Mill is more than just a standard trip to the theatre. The food included in the ticket price is simply divine, with a delicious selection of beautifully cooked meals in a rustic but well-kept restaurant. It is what makes this venue such an icon of the area, and accompanied with a more relevant play, could easily become a 5-star experience.