The Scotsman  
Kirsty Knaggs

Caught on the Hob

7 August 2002

Considering the majority of accidents occur within the domestic arena, you'd think that conducting a full scale battle of wills with your spouse in the kitchen - surely the most dangerous room in the house - would be a foolish idea. Maybe so, but, when said battle is scripted by acclaimed Australian playwright Vanessa Badham, the only danger is of laughing too hard.

A ferociously black comedy, Kitchen is Badham's latest work and, apart from a preview at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre last year, this is the first time it has been performed full-scale in Europe and should make her name as well know here as it is in her native land.

Owen and Helene, both human resource managers, have a marriage that, although far from harmonious, is relatively secure. When Owen loses his job, however, Helene decides that the terms of their relationship must be renegotiated. Calculating the cost of becoming a single-income family, she draws up a contract for him, forcing him to work off his debts to her with the only thing he has left to trade: his labour. With Owen now a slave to her every whim, Helene becomes more and more demanding until the inevitable happens - the worm turns.

What follows is an all out war as they struggle to stain and maintain dominance in the relationship. As the balance swings back and forth between the two, the tension heightens until it becomes obvious that whoever is going to win this battle must put all thoughts of love behind them and do whatever it takes to come out on top. The final outcome may not surprise you in terms of who, but the how certainly will.

Badham's dialogue sparkles and her wit is sharper than the most finely honed sabatier, with an edge that cuts straight to the heart of human relationships. If it is a joy to watch, it seems it is also a pleasure to perform - the script is delivered with obvious gusto and relish by the exceptional stars, Nina Millns and George Perrin.

As with all the best dark comedy, Kitchen will make you laugh out loud, while at the same time leaving you with the uncomfortable feeling that you really shouldn't be laughing at all. It may also encourage you to be nicer to your partner. Especially in the kitchen.

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