The writer Lesley Bruce took the years 2002 and 1969 and proceeded to show how related events could make a story if set in the same flat. Did it work? Laurie Sansom tried to get a lot of events to gel into a whole, but the play does not have what is wanted to make a good play.

First we are in 2002 and see infuriating Graham played by Will Barton lying on a mutilated four poster bed. He is joined by Jonie played by Sarah Moyle whose flat it is. She reacts with shock at the state of the bed and her flat, even her clothes are being worn by the intruder. Predictably she succumbs to the man as she thinks no one else is interested in her and she believes that she wants a baby. That’s the sort of story line it is. The bed had arrived as a bequest and is the connection to the other date and events. 1969, when man went to the moon for the first time, sets the mood for this era where Fran/Jonie is separated from her husband Philip/Graham and becomes interested in Robin/Drew played by Pascal Langdale. The only thing that seems to happen is an amusing contest between the two men, before a connection is made between the two dates.

For an evening out at the theatre it will amuse some and annoy others looking for something more stimulating. © BA

“Bedtime Stories” is in repertory at the Round in Scarborough from the 5th of June until the 12th of July, 2003.