Cast

Synopsis

Although there is resentment between Helen and Jo, there is also affection. Helen is a woman hardened by life, an alcoholic, a nightclub blues singer and ‘a good time girl’. Some of the time Helen lives with her daughter Jo and other times just abandons her to live with the latest man in her life, but she always eventually returns home.

Jo can’t wait to leave school and start work, she could be a talented artist but doesn’t want to study further as she has constantly changed schools throughout her life. When Helen isn’t at home though, Jo has to look for affection elsewhere and takes up with Jimmie, a sailor who promises to marry her, before he heads for the seas, but leaves her pregnant.

Then Geoff, an art student moves in and assumes the role of a surrogate parent until, misguidedly, he sends for Helen and their unconventional setup unravels. The consequences are sadly, inevitable and you are left thinking that the cycle is about to start again with the next child.

The themes about working class life and prejudices in A Taste of Honey are amazingly just as relevant for many today.

Directors Notes

A Taste of Honey was written by British dramatist, Shelagh Delaney when she was just 19 years of age. Even though it was written in the 1950s the themes about working class life and prejudices are still relevant today.

A Taste of Honey is a powerful, comical, yet poignant play which is set in Salford in the 1950s. The drama follows the gritty misfortunes of a working-class single mother, Helen, and her rebellious teenage daughter, Jo. Although there is resentment between Helen and Jo, there is also affection. The two women do not have access to the post war affluence enjoyed by many, and each struggle in their own ways to survive in a world where men have all of the privileges. As the story develops we are unwittingly drawn into their complicated lives and hope that it will end well.

It has been a real pleasure directing the revival of this great play at Bingley Little Theatre with such a talented and hardworking group of actors. However, this production just would not happen if it wasn’t for the dedication and hard work of the unseen backstage and support teams. I am as ever very grateful to them.