Written by Bernard Slade
Directed by Joanne Ellis
Same Time, Next Year is best described as an affair with heart. The play follows Doris and George, two married people who begin an affair and continue to meet once a year, at the same time and in the same place, over a period spanning 1951 to 1975. What unfolds is a warm, witty and often touching light comedy that gradually becomes something far deeper.
As a two-hander, the success of the play relies entirely on the strength of its performers. With all the action taking place in a guest cottage in Northern California, the actors must carry the story through their chemistry, timing and ability to show the passing of time through changing personalities, appearances and attitudes. Doris and George need to feel believable together while also reflecting how much life changes over the decades.
The production naturally requires a large number of costume and hairstyle changes as each scene jumps forward several years. This can sometimes create lengthy pauses between scenes, but Sutton Arts handled this cleverly by projecting film clips showing key moments from the era. Not only did this keep the audience engaged, it also clearly established the date and period for each new scene. The set itself remained largely unchanged throughout, which worked perfectly for the piece, although small additions — such as the “Happy 5th Anniversary” sign in scene two — were lovely details that helped mark the passing years.
The play moved at exactly the right pace, never overstaying its welcome, and both actors remained completely at ease on stage. The attention to detail within the set also added to the realism — even the bathroom door revealed an actual bathroom rather than a dark backstage area, which helped maintain the natural feel of the cottage setting.
Most importantly, there was genuine chemistry between Jayne Lynn as Doris and Rod Bissett as George. Their performances captured not only the humour of the script, but also the warmth, vulnerability and affection that sits at the centre of the story.
What begins as an affair slowly reveals itself to be a sincere and surprisingly moving love story. It is a production I would happily watch again… same time next year.
Reviewed by – Emma T.
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