Delinquent Dad Proves To Be a Thought Provoking Social Comedy
Susan Stanley-Carroll thinks some might find it too poignant for laughter
John Gorick as Robert and Elizabeth Back as Cara. Picture: Matt Collins
October 14, 2023
"Delinquent Dad", is set in the near future in a dilapidated flat that is in the process of being repossessed. The flat is rented by two very pleasant millennials, Matt and Cara, a hardworking, happy-loving couple. He is a vet and she works in an office. Cara is obsessed with her followers on Instagram; Matt is concerned that his clients cannot pay their "poochs'" bills due to the cost of living crisis. Their Bad Landlord is exceptionally unpleasant and the feisty couple withstand his increasingly aggressive tactics to oust them from their home. Fortunately, Matt and Cara have oodles of humour and positive energy.
Until Robert - Matt’s delinquent (autistic?) Dad suddenly arrives on their doorstep. His long suffering wife (Matt’s mum) boots him out of the family home lock, stock and barrel. And, oh, boy, one can understand why she did that. Robert candidly reveals his past misdemeanours to his son and partner and is astonished at their shocked reaction. He is as perplexed as a bewildered juvenile.
More dilemmas - Robert has lost all his money by investing in cryptocurrency as he has been tricked by Armitage (the Wicked Accountant). Armitage spins in and out of the family’s lives but is financially connected with the Bad Landlord.
A cricket bat is dramatically used to control Armitage. Armitage is also desperate to use the flat’s loo. Oh, thank goodness the loo is offstage, as it certainly sees some action behind its closed door.
Elizabeth Back’s strong, keenly nuanced performance as sweet Cara grabs our sympathy and attention. Cara is character who keeps ‘on going’ but never moans. Matt, played by Bradley Crees, is the epitome of a vet and he oozes warmth and compassion.
John Gorick plays Robert perfectly - a totally bewildered man-child who would have been fine in the twentieth century but is far too off the spectrum to fit into a world motivated by Instagram, mobiles and the internet. People will recognise this poignant yet instantly irritating character in themselves or in their friends. A person who is endearing when young but insufferable when old having failed to mature.
John Gorick as Robert and Mark Parsons as Armitage. Picture: Matt Collins
Mark Parsons as Armitage, the Wicked Accountant, is nasty, truly nasty until he meets his comeuppance. And, my goodness, how he needed that visit to their offstage loo!
As anticipated Nick Bromley’s effortless direction was smooth and beautifully focussed. Nick created an environment where the actors were relaxed and completely ease. They thus established their roles convincingly albeit in a chaotic environment.
E.J Andersons’s thought provoking script will appeal to many, maybe it’s a tad too long for comfort, but the range of topics he has covered are diverse and significant. There are several surprise moments including the ending.
The rapturous applause by the majority of the audience on Thursday night was rewarding for the cast but to others the poignancy of homeless Robert, Matt and Cara was, so, not funny. Reminding me of Alan Ayckbourn’s plays that can be, for some, too sad to amuse. However, my friend thoroughly enjoyed the drama and came out of the theatre smiling with delight as she had, had, a good giggle and laugh.
Susan Stanley-Carroll
Ticket Pricing: 13 - 22 October £ 23.50/ £19.50 concessions.
Final Week: 24 -28 October £25.50/£21.50 concessions.
Running time: approximately 2 hours 10mins including one interval
You can book all productions online on the Tabard Theatre web site or call the box office on 020 8995 6035 (leave a message if you can't get through and your call will be returned).
Theatre at the Tabard is at 2 Bath Road, Chiswick (W4 1LW).
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