I was recently invited to The Everyman, Cheltenham to watch Rufus Hound and Preeya Kalidas lead the cast in a new production based on the 1970s BBC comedy, The Good Life. It’s safe to say I thought it was more than good but read on to find why I loved The Good Life so much!
As a 31 year old, I have to admit that I didn’t really know much about the original BBC comedy from the 1970s. I’ve heard people talking about living “the good life” but quite honestly, I assumed I would be going to watch a play about some people who moved to a farm. In essence, I suppose that is the main plot point, but it is delivered in a way I hadn’t realised would be quite so hilarious!
What’s It All About?
The play centres around Tom and Barbara Good, portrayed on stage by Rufus Hound and Sally Tatum. This original take on the BBC comedy sees the Goods swap their life of corporate working and “wanting, not needing” for a simpler, more self-sufficient life in their Surbiton home. The couple next door, Margo and Jerry (played incredibly by Preeya Kalidas and Dominic Rowan) are less than impressed with their neighbours’ decision to bring down the reputation of the street. Between a goat, a piglet and a very funny dinner party, the plot has plenty of comedy to keep you laughing throughout.
The Good Life seems strangely relevant in today’s post-pandemic society where so many have eschewed their corporate city lives in favour of a life in the country. In a time where so many of us are trying to make more environmentally friendly decisions, Tom and Barbara’s decision to try to be self-sufficient doesn’t seem as alien as it once might have done! Their discussions about whether to continue working to earn more money to buy things they don’t really need certainly seemed pertinent in a world of fast fashion and consumerism.
Nigel Betts and Tessa Churchard support the four main cast members in various roles and always add lots of humour to the scene they’re in. My favourite additional characters were Harry, the Pig Man and the Milk Float Lady! There should also be a special mention for Geraldine the Goat who has a scene-stealing moment in the first half of The Good Life!
Margo and My Favourite Things
For me, the best part of the show has to be Margo. Preeya Kalidas portrays a character who is so snooty, yet so endearing! I’m sure we all have a friend or family member who is a little like Margo! With lines like “I don’t chivvy, I encourage”, and her frequent demands of her husband, Margo manages to annoy you as much as charm you. Think Hyacinth Bucket from Keeping Up Appearances meets Patsy from Ab Fab. Without giving too much away, my favourite moment has to be when Margo walks onstage in full Julie Andrews as Maria costume, desperate to be given the lead in The Sound of Music. Honestly, if singing “Kippers for Breakfast and Weekends in Paris….these are a few of my favourite things” wasn’t enough to cement her as Kingston Players’ star actress, I’m not sure what would!
Is The Good Life really that good?
I went into the show with very little expectations. I have never watched The Good Life on TV before and so quite honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. By the end of the first half, I was so pleasantly surprised with how funny and easy to watch the production was that I couldn’t wait to get back after the interval. The characters are so full of life and I really fell in love with all of them in their own way. There was plenty of laughter across the auditorium and I’m sure that no matter your age, you could enjoy The Good Life over and over! I’m off to binge watch the TV show now!
The Good Life is on stage at The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham from Tues 19th Oct – Sat 23rd Oct. You can book tickets here.
