In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play at St. James

Eloquently written and masterfully performed, director Laurence Boswell’s In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play by Sarah Ruhl is thoughtfully executed to pleasurably stimulate the senses while reflecting on real issues of feminine hardship.

When Dr Givings begins treating patients with electric vibratory massage to cure symptoms of hysteria, his wife Catherine is left in the dark about his procedures. She begins to make connections with the visitors frequenting her home, whom she regularly overhears in her husband’s operating theatre, but the discovery of his private practices may be the catalyst that destroys their relationship.    

While ravishingly comedic, the racy content and use of the vibrator throughout the narrative impishly sheds light on the way in which society not only overlooks female pleasure, but also the pain that women struggle through in everyday life as lovers, wives and mothers. Starring Natalie Casey and Jason Hughes as Mrs and Mr Givings, the duo is perfect in their rendition of a young couple dealing with the difficulties of marriage and parenthood. Endearing in her quirkiness and open nature, Casey is loveable as the straightforward and outspoken lead, challenging her practical husband and daring him to defy convention.

Madeline Appiah is remarkable and convincing in her supporting role as the wet nurse, Elizabeth. Full of emotion and wisdom, the subtleties of her performance truly stand out as she silently weeps for her dead baby, engaging the audience completely in the sadness of her loss.

Simon Kenny’s set is full of detail and intricacies: he has recreated a classic 19^th century Victorian house and provided the Givings’ a warm and inviting family home. Overall, In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play is wickedly entertaining with every sexual innuendo. You will not leave the theatre unsatisfied.

Natasha Fonseka

In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play is on at St. James Theatre until 4^th January 2014, for further information or to book visit here.