Barking in Essex

Barking in Essex was written by Clive Exton in 2005,[3] but never performed[4] prior to his death in 2007.[5] In November 2012, it was announced that the play would be performed for the first time in September 2013,[6] for a limited run until 4 January 2014.[7] The UK premiere was produced by MJE Productions Theatre Royal Haymarket Productions and James Quaife Productions. The play is directed by Harry Burton,[8] design by Simon Higlett, lighting by James Farncombe and sound by Gareth Owen.[9] Cast rehearsals began on 5 August[10] and the show opened on 16 September 2013, at the Wyndham's Theatre following previews from 6 September.[11] The plays cast included Lee Evans, Sheila Hancock, Keeley Hawes, Montserrat Lombard and Karl Johnson.[9] The play marked Evans first stage appearance since the 2007 revival of the play The Dumb Waiter.[12] Shortly before Christmas, Hawes left the play prematurely and was replaced by her understudy Rachel Marwood.[13]

Algie Packer has been in prison for seven years for committing bank robbery[14] and it is the day of his release. There is only one problem; his mother Emmie and his sister-in-law Chrissie have spent the proceeds of the robbery on luxury items,[15] like around the world cruises and blue Ferraris. What follows is a comedy of errors as the Packer family try to cover their tracks and go on the run, involving a lawyer,[16] the street hit-man[17] and a pair of maracas.

Reviews for the production were mixed.[19] Charles Spencer in The Telegraph wrote: "Wonderfully funny. Imagine a cross between Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party and Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs … not a show that will appeal to everyone, but those who like their comedy black, blue, and raucous will have a ball."[20] Simon Edge in The Express wrote: "It has the depth of an extended sitcom and not every gag works. However the cast are uniformly strong and it is profane good fun that had me cheerfully guffawing."[17]

Some however were more negative and Michael Billington in The Guardian wrote: "As a piece of black comedy, Clive Exton's play is neither sufficiently dark nor consistently funny."[21] Henry Hitchings of the London Standard wrote: "While Harry Burton’s production has moments of vitality it can’t make up for the weakness of the writing. It felt a terrible waste of a strong cast."[22]

• Official website
• Barking in Essex on Twitter