Family Affairs

I went to see “The Priory” at the Royal Court Theatre last week with a girlfriend – a new play written by Michael Wynne.

The title referred to a Gothic style building rented by Kate, an emotionally damaged singleton, for a group of her thirty-something mates over New Year’s Eve, although it probably meant to vaguely refer to the well known drying out clinic housing dysfunctional addicts, because that, in the end was what the play was all about.

Kate had amassed a fascinating and humerous bunch of people together with their unwelcome attatchments….Rupert Penry-Jones provided major eye candy (and sexy dancing), whilst Rachel Stirling did a brilliant job of coming over as prize bitch – but only for a minute before Kate quietly stepped into the role.

It was all very easy to watch and pleasing to the eye. Lots going on and I enjoyed it. The problem for me was that it was all a bit tame and predictable. Is that because I’m getting old and cynical? Cocaine, swearing, unrequited love, the token gay, the token affair, the token bimbo – I think it could have been a lot funnier or a lot cleverer….

Which is a worry frankly. When dysfunctional becomes the new functional it must mean my life has gone even more off track than I thought and frankly I think it’s time for me to bring out the play.