Happy Now? Is this an instruction? A command? A desire? A plea? The title of Lucinda Coxon’s latest play at the National Theatre more than hints at the play’s middle class themes. Can we be really be happy? And, if so, how?
If modern life is a balancing act, then the play’s protagonist, Kitty, presents a typically female perspective on the dilemma.
Drama builds right from the start as Kitty (Olivia Williams), meets the elusive Michael (Stanley Townsend), at a conference hotel. The incident plays upon Kitty’s mind as she struggles to balance her personal desires with her husband, her kids, her aging (and evil) parents, and her job. Add some other characters into the mix: a lonely gay best friend, a rude alcoholic solicitor and his vacant wife – and there’s a lot going on.
Coxon has created a tightly woven, thoughtful play, which holds a mirror up to contemporary life. Admittedly at times it verges on the didactic (even smug). But overall this is an enjoyable comedy in which the surface is tinged with something darker – more sinister – and this is what gives it legs.
There are some mismatches in the cast (height differences and an enormous gulf in looks between Williams and Townsend), which could have lent a ridiculous and unbelievable atmosphere to the relationships, but the actors work hard and build a genuine frisson between lovers and married couples. Even the ill-feted sex scene is well done, and that’s no small feat for a stage production.
The deceptively plain set comes alive with great lighting and the props of everyday life: a couch, a dining table, loads of alcohol, and cupboards that camouflage dishwashers and garbage bins.
In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a more watchable play. The momentum never wanes, and the audience is glued to the drama for the whole two hours. It’s almost like TV in its accessibility. No wonder its run has been extended.
But back to the title – does the play answer the question? Well, not really. And I guess that’s kind of the point.
The National’s production of Happy Now is its UK premiere. Lucinda Coxon’s play Nostlagia has its UK debut at Plymouth Theatre Royal later this month – if Happy Now? is anything to go by expect another success.
Happy Now? Runs until 10 May at the National Theatre, London.
nationaltheatre.org.uk/happynow
Read an interview with Lucinda Coxon and Olivia Williams in the Independent.
