The Kitchen Sink review, Bush

Sink or swim

The iconic moments in Tom Wells new play are marked by a Dolly Parton soundtrack. At The Kitchen Sink, sunny Kath - wife to milkman Martin and mum to gay Billy and cross Sophie - is, like Dolly, putting the shine on a life that is largely shit. In their house in Withernsea, on the east Yorkshire coast, small changes have a big impact. Billy's Dolly Parton painting has won him a place at a London art school. Can he hack it? Sophie, meanwhile, has broken her Ju-Jitsu examiner's nose and bristles each time patient plumber Pete comes plighting his troth. Fortunately there's plenty of diversion under the sink when her growling gets too much. Meanwhile, Kath is trying to pin down Martin to discuss the future of a failing business - but how to start again in the middle of nowhere in middle-age?

Problems are faced with humour, fear, fury and an uproarious flood that has the audience convulsed - some because their knees are wet.

It's not the story that drives this play, however, but the terrific characterisation: five distinct and believable individuals with their own narratives, perspective, intention and baseline. At their heart is Kath - Lisa Palfrey leading the small and brilliant cast - cooking courgette muffins and offering gentle support while holding down three jobs at the local school to make ends meet.

In conclusion:  The Kitchen Sink never resorts to sentiment despite bringing a lump to the throat. Tamara Harvey's production is lively, entertaining and well-pitched and a great reason to check out the revamped Bush Theatre.

References
Bush Theatre tickets
Fiona Mountford review in The Evening Standard