Cast

Synopsis

Frequently hilarious and at other times touching, Tom Wells’ award-winning comedy shows that domesticity is anything but normal. Kath and Martin may appear like your typical Yorkshire couple on the outside, but they have their own uniquely obscure issues to deal with whist also having to contend with the highly specific ambitions of both of their offspring as they navigate their transitions out of childhood.

Whilst the sink needs the liberal use of a hammer to even begin working properly, parts won’t stop falling off Martin’s milk float and the customers that would help pay for the repairs are dropping off just as frequently. Their son Billy’s desire to go to art college have been pinned on his rather well-endowed portrait of Dolly Parton and their daughter Sophie’s own ambitions to become a jiu-jitsu instructor may have gone up in flames after a brief moment of inappropriateness. But at least Sophie’s boyfriend’s plumbing ambitions seem to be going well. To be fair, so are his grandmother’s slightly less than legal business activities.

Having played at both London’s Bush Theatre and New Vic, The Kitchen Sink was the recipient of both the George Devine and Simon Gray awards for new writing. Presenting its audience with a family that will be recognisable to all and injecting a few doses of madness into the proceedings, this play is a witty look at the perils involved in the pursuit of a normal life.

Directors Notes

I ’m genuinely not someone who laughs out loud that often whilst reading things. So, when that was the exact reaction I had on more than one occasion whilst reading The Kitchen Sink, I took that as all the evidence I needed to accept the offer for me to direct this play.

It also helps that Martin is a milkman, bringing all sorts of nostalgia to me as so was my Grandad. The family members each have their problems that are unique to them (I’d be surprised if anyone in the audience has agonized over Dolly Parton portraits like Billy has), but in the end, it’s the combination of those unique problems that make them feel like the same sort of family unit that we can all relate to.

Reading and casting have blessed me with an amazing cast for my debut effort as a director and they have made it an absolute pleasure to see these characters come to life. We’re only about halfway through the rehearsal process when I write this, but they’ve already inhabited these roles and made them their own with such skill that I’m starting to question how much they actually need me.

Huge thanks must also go to everyone who has worked backstage on this production. The volunteers that give up 8 weeks of their lives for all the Bingley Little Theatre productions give just as much vision and input to what you see onstage as the cast and I do. They really are the beating heart of this theatre and though they may not get to bow at the end, they deserve every bit as much of the applause.

And finally, thanks to my Dad for the paintings. You’ll know the ones I mean when you see them.