Review: ‘Delinquent Dad’ A new comedy.

Theatre At The Tabard
2 Bath Road
London
W4 1LW

Thirty-something and things not going so well? Wouldn’t it be great if Dad came to stay?

🍷🍷🍷🍷 (Our Bo-Ho star equivalent. 4 out of 5!)

Photo: Matt Collins.

In an interesting social twist this new, warm-hearted comedy by local writer E.J. Anderson resonates on many levels.

Cara and Matt’s flat is shabby chic without the chic. It’s a bit grim and they are at loggerheads with their neglectful landlord, who now has men positioned outside the property ready to enter and repossess..

Against this backdrop and in anticipation of a first dinner with Matt’s parents, Cara uses hairspray to try and mask the dank odour of the flat. But she doesn’t have to worry – the dinner doesn’t happen as planned, as Matt’s Mother dumps his father Robert at their front door – Robert has been firmly and finally booted out of the marital home. The reasons are initially unclear, although it seems to have something to do with some flowers he has pruned. Oh, then we find out later about the affair. Oh, and another former wife. Oh, and a few other things…!

His tie is snipped in half. But it turns out Robert did it himself as a protest. He’s had enough of being a wage-slave. Kind of a late mid-life crisis.

The couple ask him to say with them “for as long as he needs.”

The premise of E.J. Anderson’s play boasts a wealth of comic potential and some very timely commentary on the cost-of-living crisis and ‘generation rent’. It also addresses that rarely illuminated topic of older men assessing their place in the world.

So what seems at first to be a cosy family social event turns rapidly into something much more. In fact, the one problem with this comedy is that there is almost too much. When we find out good natured Robert has not only split from his wife but he’s also being pursued by a local property developer teetering on the cusp of gangsterism, it’s an example of how there are SO many story strands., it could do with a bit more focus and editing.

But it’s still hugely appealing as it cleverly and subtly addresses a number of contemporary issues… parents living longer, the brutality and benefits of capitalism and social erosion. I especially loved the drunken, post-dinner, family scene in Act One and the cast are universally brilliant. There are also some great lines, “Boomer Bob” and parts move into near farce.

So in spite of a few faults take your Dad – and your Mom too – to see this. It works brilliantly in the space and is another example of this small studio theatre in West London once again hitting above its weight and presenting great theatre by local artists with great actors. Nothing delinquent about that!

Runs until 28 October 2023.

Writer: E.J. Anderson

Director: Nick Bromley

Tickets HERE