Review: THE GOOD LIFE, Cambridge Arts Theatre - UK tour

Currently showing at Cambridge Arts Theatre is The Good Life, based on the 1970’s sitcom revolving around the lives of Tom and Barbara Good and their hunt for self-sufficiency.  The story is very relevant with everything currently happening at the COP26 summit and reminds the audience of a similar life, ‘The Good Life’.

For those familiar with the TV show, the play mashes together funny parts from the three series of the popular sitcom, with Rufus Hound taking on the role of Tom and his wife Barbara being played by Sally Tatum.

The Good Life wouldn’t be the same without neighbours, Jerry and Margo Leadbetter, who are played by Dominic Rowan and Preeya Kalidas respectively. Taking on the role of Jerry and Tom’s boss ‘Sir’ is Andrew Ferguson, with Nigel Betts filling in other roles, and Tessa Churchyard playing his wife Felicity. 

It is hard not to draw parallels and comparisons to the original TV show and perhaps a criticism is that it hasn’t worked hard enough to find its own identity. It does take away from how good the play is or how nostalgic it feels but in some places, they have taken almost the exact words from the TV show and used them in the stage script. 

The acting throughout is wonderful. Nigel Betts and Tessa Churchyard as the supporting characters are wonderful, their multi-rolling is excellent and you can also define the character through accent without the use of costume. They also provide excellent comic timing throughout. 

Preeya Kalidas in particular as Margo steals the show. Her mannerisms are reflective of the original but she still manages to take Margo to perhaps an even snobbier level if that is possible. Her singing voice for excerpts from The Sound of Music is beautiful. 

Kudos also goes to the set designer. For a travelling set to have rotation in it is impressive as they managed to give both the Goods and the Leadbetters house in one set. Gertrude the Goat must also get a mention for its wonderful puppetry. 

Set against the soundtrack from the original TV show, The Good Life is well worth the night out, with excellent comic timing throughout. The play excels at bringing to life one of Britain’s greatest sitcoms. 

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Emma Rooney

The Good Life plays at Cambridge Arts Theatre until 13 November and continues to tour until 4 December, with tickets available here.