Shelagh Delaney’s A Taste of Honey is a provocative, gritty play that explores the struggles of a working-class mother and daughter in 1950s England. The story follows Jo, a sharp and independent teenager, and her unreliable and selfish mother, Helen, as they navigate life, love, poverty, and broken dreams.

Described as a “kitchen sink drama” and hailed as “ahead of it’s time”, A Taste of Honey, by way of television, film, books and curriculum material, is a classic. This week, Rosemary Hill, with ‘The Play’s the Thing Theatre Company’, brings their special production to Milton Keynes.

The dialogue is witty and natural, the flow adept and the characters feel real and relatable. Delaney bravely addresses issues like class, race, gender, illegitimacy and sexuality at a time when few plays did.

Jo’s resilience and honesty make her a standout character, her vulnerability showing through the often harsh exterior. Dealt a cruel hand in life, her character is complicated and emotional, her life unstable and chaotic. It’s impossible to not feel for her.

Helen is a fairly despicable character who’s true colours come out with every touch and turn. You’re desperate for her to change and show some genuine compassion and love. At times you want to warm to her in the hope that there’s something likeable there.

Jimmie ( The Boy ) and Peter enjoy less stage time but are nonetheless capable and worthy characters.

Above all, it’s Geof who stole the show for me. His beautiful kindness and susceptibilities are truly heartwarming and heartbreaking.

This play is a very moving and thought-provoking piece that still feels relevant today. With some dire attitudes, that sadly still exist in the world today, it is fully captivating and gripping. Difficult and uncomfortable to watch at times, this is testament to the excellent direction, overall production, casting and delivery. Whilst bleak, A Taste of Honey is beautiful. There’s sweet humour dotted in perfectly and it really delivers on the realities of life. It’s a strong example of how everyday lives can make powerful drama.

Bravo to Rosemary Hill et al for bringing yet another brilliant and impressive production to the stage.

Cast:

Helen – Caroline Nash
Jo – Tayla Kenyon
Peter – Alexander J C Forni
Jimmie ( The Boy ) – Brian Bususu
Geof – Angus Roughley