Home, I'm Darling by Laura Wade

8 Oct 2026-10 Oct 2026

Twyford Drama is delighted to announce the arrival of its autumn production for 2026. ‘Home, I’m Darling’, written by Laura Wade, is a witty comedy focusing on a modern-day couple who adopt a strict 1950s lifestyle. It explores how every marriage needs a little fantasy to keep it sparkling, but demonstrates that behind the gingham curtains, being a domestic goddess isn't as easy as it looks... The vintage idyll begins to crumble as the couple try to sustain the fantasy in the face of today’s pressures.

The play is a funny and fascinating exploration of themes of equality and gender dynamics and its Director, Frank Kaye, is revving himself up for the weeks of rehearsals and set design sessions ahead of him. It will be fascinating to watch the play emerge as it tries to maintain the many dimensions of humour and sadness through personal and political themes, which are sometimes deeply naturalistic and other times, delightfully heightened.

Frank transitioned into directing after a career as an actor , having achieved his Masters in Directing at Royal Holloway and undertaken the professional direction of ‘Faustaff’ in Mexico City. He is a talented, long-standing member of Twyford Drama and has directed many plays over the years during his time with the group, including ‘The Merchant of Venice’ and ‘Entertaining Angels’.

Production updates

August 2026

‘Home, I'm Darling!’, this October's Twyford Drama production, is already becoming a classic amongst amateur theatre groups. There is a very good reason for this - our autumn-time audiences are in for a real treat! Laura Wade’s creation is an ingenious blend of laugh-aloud comedy and deep, thought-provoking themes.

It is about Judy, a modern woman who decides to live life as a stereotypical 1950s housewife. The play starts light-heartedly but then changes track and delves deeply into contemporary issues of identity, gender roles, relationships, financial pressures, and the gulf between fantasy and reality. Audiences will leave Loddon Hall refreshed by the comical antics of the cast, yet wondering simultaneously whether the past was truly better, especially in terms of the expectations placed on men and women.

The set has the possibility to be very complex and rich but also gives an opportunity to let the characters shape their own world with their words and actions. Frank’s team have chosen the latter, keeping the set as simple as possible. This is intended to enhance the sharp, punchy language and eccentric, pointed behaviours of a rich bunch of highly diverse, quirky personalities. The cast comprises six personae who are all very distinctive and provide a rewarding challenge for our very talented actors.

The main character is Judy, who is onstage for the entire play. Rebecca Down is playing the part and provides a wonderful variety of characterisations for the other actors to respond to. Marc Reid plays her husband, Johnny, who begins and ends the play with a ‘kind’ of dance, which is in total contrast to the action in between. The other characters have two scenes each to present their very different takes on the central duo. Fran (Rachel Walton) is bitchy; Marcus (Roger Paxton) is crude; Alex (Emma Cianchi) is from a different world and Sylvia (Sandra Miall) exposes the fantasy for what it is.

The simple surrounds will clearly and cleverly direct the focus on to a "million" different items of food and drink presented to the cast throughout the action. In addition, it will heighten the impact of the many impressive costume changes which occur during the performance.

The next stage of work involves decisions on sound and lighting and there is plenty of scope here as there are significant costume changes as well as some key time shifts.

‘Home, I’m Darling’ is a veritable masterpiece of character, costume and culinary delights, and comedic timing! A real hit!