Review: A Taste of Honey is a taste of hilarious history

It is a story that depicts the emotional story of a turbulent relationship between a mother and her daughter, the trials that come with an unexpected pregnancy and the desperation to find a connection in a world otherwise lonely and depressing.

When Jo’s mother runs off to marry for money, Jo finds herself relying on art student Geoffery who has become a surrogate father to her unborn child. There seems to be a contest throughout the play between Jo and her floozy mother Helen, but Geoff perceptively points out that Jo is more like her mother than she would care to admit, and it almost seems as if history is due to repeat itself.

The incredible set design and music only amplifies the outstanding performances from each of the actors, none more so than mother and cougar Helen, played by Jodie Prenger,. With enough sass and hilarious one-liners to give Benidorm’s Mage a run for her money, this incredibly talented actress dominates the stage like every mother should.

Geoffrey adds a new level of depth to the themes of lonliness throughout this play, as his character demonstrates life as a gay man in the 1950’s. Whilst humorous and upbeat, Geoffrey adds to the heartbreak as we watch him desperately avoid the inevitable loneliness he faces without Jo in his life.

With intriguing insights into the ongoing themes of prejudice, lonlinesses, parenthood and the tenacity of the female spirit, A Taste of Honey provides an honest and entertaining story of a working class, single mother in post-war Britain. It addresses social issues that would have been otherwise neglected in the time of it’s debut; topics such as class, race, and sexual orientation.

Shelagh Delaney’s groundbreaking British classic is currently on stage in the Grand Opera House, and this 50’s drama is one that you won’t want to miss.

Visit goh.co.uk for tickets and more info