Olivia HowlettA Taste of Honey is a poignant piece of theatre that deep dives into the complexities of people and their dysfunctional relationships, societal prejudices, and the harsh realities of life. Set against the backdrop of working-class Salford in the late 1950s, this play, directed by Emma Baggott, brings to light the struggles of a mother-daughter duo, Helen and Jo, portrayed with captivating authenticity by TV’s own Jill Halfpenny and the talented Rowan Robinson, as she makes her professional stage debut.
At first glance, the relationship between the pair appears humorous and close-knit, but as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that their bond is rife with neglect and unmet needs, as men and society’s approval become more important to Helen than her own daughter. The idea of seeking validation from men runs throughout the narrative as marriage becomes the focus for Helen. Yet despite seemingly finding that stability she ultimately ends up back in the apartment she started the play in, mirroring the cyclical nature of poverty and toxic relationships for women in those times – and even still women now. As the play reaches its powerful conclusion, Jo is left to confront the harsh reality of her circumstances.
One of the play’s strengths lies in its exploration of taboo subjects such as teen pregnancy, interracial relationships, and homosexuality, which at the time this play was written over 65 years ago were all issues that would be greatly frowned upon within society. The 2-hour 45-minute runtime allows ample space for these themes to unfold organically, drawing the audience into the characters’ lives and struggles, making it a much more personal portrayal.
The staging, designed by Peter Butler, enhances the immersive experience, with a circular set that subtly includes the audience, having the first few rows practically on the stage.
Set only in the apartment and the streets outside, we hear an idea of the industrial area they’re living in, reflecting that classic Salford working class feel which was nice to hear about while watching it in Manchester. The organic feel of seeing their lives from every angle, with nothing to hide was something I personally haven’t seen in theatre before.
The use of the song ‘Dirty Old Town’ sung by Nishla Smith, the jazz singer, adds depth to the scenes, creating a seamless flow amidst the confined setting of the apartment, acting as a sort of punctuation between the transitions.
In essence, A Taste of Honey remains as relevant today as it was upon its premiere in 1958, with its raw portrayal of human struggles and resilience transcending time. Life for most women has vastly changed since this play was first staged, yet unfortunately the strong message I was left with is that women are still experiencing these same sorts of issues.
With stellar performances, thought-provoking themes, and impeccable direction, this production stands as a testament to the enduring power of theatre to reflect and challenge societal norms.
A Taste of Honey is at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester until 13 April 2024. Age guidance 12+
Carmel Thomason
Steve Timms
Reece Donlan
Jemma Christie