Rocky ride for comic couples (From Stroud News and Journal)

Rocky ride for comic couples

HULL Truck Theatre Company is docking at the Everyman in Cheltenham this week with the latest comedy from Bouncers writer John Godber; Going Dutch.

Set aboard the Pride of Hull ferry to Amsterdam Going Dutch tells the trials and tribulations of two couples for whom middle age is looming on the horizon.

Mark (played by James Hornsby) is struggling with his 25-year marriage to Sally (played by Gemma Craven) which is heading for the rocks.

Cruising to Amsterdam to see Bruce Springsteen in concert, they're joined by Gill - who is avoiding Mark's adulterous advances by bringing her own secret stowaway, Karl.

In contrast to the miserable Mark and Sally, their relationship is creating enough steam to power the liner, even if Karl is as rough as a force 10 gale.

Life doesn't get any less turbulent when the two couples finally reach terra firma.

But the forecast seems to brighten as they cycle along the canal paths, enjoying the weather and sharing a picnic.

That is until they tuck into a cake, which makes life seem much funnier thanks to a certain ingredient particularly prevalent in areas of Amsterdam.

Godber's brand new comedy celebrates his 21st Anniversary as Artistic Director of the Hull Truck Theatre Company.

It's a riot of nautical naughtiness and far from plain sailing, but Godber's observational style is as acute as always.

Going Dutch runs at the Everyman from Tuesday, May 3 to Saturday, May 7 and contains strong language.

The play is not suitable for children. Tickets, which cost between £7.50 and £14.50, are available from the box office.