Judy and Johnny lead a 50’s lifestyle, clothes, décor, appliances. She stays at home while Johnny works as an estate agent. He hopes for a promotion. He realises they have financial problems; the house might be repossessed. Three years earlier Judy had taken voluntary redundancy, but the money has run out. He is underperforming at work and doesn’t earn as much commission. He says he isn’t happy. They need to change. He gets a promotion, but it will involve a long commute. They agree to compromise.
Production history
Theatr Clwyd/National Theatre production
The play made its world premiere at Theatr Clwyd from 25 June to 14 July 2018, before transferring to the Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre, London from 24 July to 5 September.[2][3] The production was directed by Tamara Harvey and starred Katherine Parkinson as Judy. On 31 August, National Theatre artistic director Rufus Norris stepped in to play Johnny after Richard Harrington was left indisposed.[4]
The play made its regional debut in the UK in 2021. The production was directed by Liz Stevenson, in a co-production between the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, the Octagon in Bolton and Theatre by the Lake in Keswick. The production was in the round, the first time the play had been performed in this configuration.[9]
