How happily married are the happily married? Every couple needs a little fantasy to keep their marriage sparkling. But behind the gingham curtains, things start to unravel, and being a domestic goddess is not as easy as it seems…
Ahead of opening night at the Lyceum, BAFTA-winner and proud Sheffielder Jessica Ransom speaks to Iago Castro Charlón about leading the cast of ‘Home, I’m Darling’ – a thought-provoking new comedy by Laura Wade about one woman’s quest to be the perfect 1950s housewife.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and Sheffield. How was it growing up and pursuing your acting dreams here?
Well, I love Sheffield; it’s always home, even though I don’t live there anymore. And I guess I wouldn’t be an actress if I didn’t find so many brilliant people on my way. I went to High Storrs School and had brilliant drama teachers there. I’m very fortunate, as they were the ones who encouraged me to do acting and develop myself through the school plays.
Neil McDermott and Jessica Ransom. Photo by Jack Merriman
How does it feel to be returning for a stint at the Crucible?
I’m really looking forward to it! It’s wonderful going on tour; we’re on a sixteen-week tour, going to a lot of different places, and it’s always lovely to go to new cities, but I’m really excited to be able to come home and perform. I can also stay with my parents, which is nice and saves me some money! There are lots of people I know here at home who are coming to the show, and very I’m excited about taking the cast out and showing them Sheffield.
Home, I’m Darling has been received really well since its premiere in 2018, notably receiving a 2019 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. What can you tell us about the show?
It’s a brilliant play by Laura Wade and a brilliant comedy. It’s the story of the relationship of a couple, Johnny and Judy, who are completely obsessed with the 1950s: they love the aesthetics of it, they love the values of it and decide to live their lives today like they were in the 1950s. And the play is an examination of whether that’s a good idea, and whether their relationship can survive doing that.
“I think a big part of it is a play about choices, and it’s definitely underlined with a feminist argument.” Jessica Ransom and Neil McDermott. Photo by Jack Merriman
What key themes and messages are explored?
Well, I think a big part of it is it’s a play about choices, and it’s definitely underlined with a feminist argument. Judy’s mom, brilliantly played by Diane Keen, thinks she fought for Judy to have choices: being able to be a feminist and being able to do whatever she wants to do. However, Judy made her choice, her free choice, of staying at home, making the house look beautiful and herself pretty for her husband. So there’s the question of whether making that free choice is a feminist one. There is also a lot to unpick about the gender roles within a relationship: is it okay to change this every time? If somebody puts the bins out three weeks in a row, is it okay to expect them to do it a fourth? It’s very much about negotiating those politics, but there is also a big lesson about fidelity: how much you tell your partner, what happens when they’re not there and what you want to be aware of. All of this leads to some very interesting discussions.
Finally, why would you recommend your fellow Sheffielders come along to catch the show this month?
There’s a lot to be said here – there’s so much in it! As mentioned, there’s comedy to enjoy, but it’s also very moving, plus a lot of dance, and all of the cast are brilliant! It also makes you think and have important conversations. It looks stunning because the set and costumes are amazing. So, yeah – come and be entertained, but also have a big discussion about it after!
Home, I’m Darling runs at the Lyceum 18-22 April and tickets (£14- £45) are available from sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
