In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play

If it wasn’t for the subject matter of In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play, you might describe it as a “nice family drama”. It is funny, fresh and vibrant, and while dealing with quite serious issues, there are no “bad guys”, and although there are “hurts”, they are not intentional.

Alicia Clements’ design transports us to the late 1800s. The set includes a beautiful feminine parlour, above which is picture framed “the next room”, a more masculine ‘operating” room in which Dr Givings treats women for Hysteria, using the new electric vibrator. The furnishings and properties are divine, and the costumes, through multiple layers and underthings, are gorgeously constructed and tell their own story. Lovely surprises and attention to detail in the design.

Composer Ash Gibson Greig blends piano and cello, with an emulation of Thaddeus Cahill’s 1897 Telharmonium synthesiser to create a blend of acoustic and electronic, an additional dialogue within the show about the changes brought from electricity, and a fascinating layer in the story.

Rebecca Davis shines as Catherine Givings, a new mother who feels lonely and is neglected, and who seeks company in her husband’s patients as they pass through her parlour. Though the role feels as though it was crafted for her, she only moved into this part a fortnight before opening night, when Elizabeth Blackmore broke her ankle. Rebecca Davis plays opposite real-life husband Stuart Halusz, who plays the distracted Dr Givings with excellence, very believable as this clever but emotionally limited man.

Jo Morris is a fascinating Sabrina Daldry, whose journey of self-discovery is almost as exciting for the audience. Kingsley Judd provides very solid support as Mr Daldry. Tariro Mavondo gives great depth to the Daldry’s housekeeper Elizabeth, who becomes wet-nurse to the Givings infant.

Tom Stokes is strong as Leo Irving, artist and male hysteric. Alison Van Reeken belies her late addition to the cast, in a very nicely layered characterisation of nurse Annie.

A feminist feel-good show, with broad appeal. A wonderful trip back-in-time that provides great messages for the present-day.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Philip Gostelow.