Judy is the picture-perfect 1950s housewife. She dotes on her husband, Johnny, who heads off to the office each morning with a packed lunch in hand, while she tends to their home, ensuring their domestic bliss. But beneath the charming façade of crinoline skirts and vintage decor, cracks begin to show.
British playwright Laura Wade’s Home, I’m Darling is a sharp, dark comedy that examines gender roles, feminism, and the allure—and pitfalls—of nostalgia, all with a sprinkle of satire.
At first, the audience might mistake mentions of “the internet” and “text messages” for slip-ups in the dialogue. But when a laptop emerges from a kitchen drawer, it becomes clear: Judy and Johnny’s 1950s lifestyle is a carefully curated fantasy.
We soon learn that Judy, disillusioned by her unconventional upbringing in what she calls a “filthy commune” of radical feminists (led by her mother Sylvia, solidly played by Tara Marcoux Tysnki), has convinced Johnny to embrace a bygone era. However, financial strains and the possibility of infidelity with Johnny’s new boss begin to unravel their picture-perfect life.
Katie Torresan delivers a standout performance as Judy, capturing both her unwavering devotion to the fantasy and the deeper insecurities that drive her. Phillip Merriman, as Johnny, is equally compelling, navigating his character’s growing marital dissatisfaction. While their on-stage chemistry lacks a bit of spark, their strong individual performances more than make up for it. The audience sympathises with Johnny, despite his occasional missteps, as he struggles to navigate their increasingly strained “arrangement.”
ABOVE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): Judy is played by Katie Torresan, Sylvia is portrayed by Tara Marcoux-Tynski, and Fran is represented by Naomi James. Fran observes as Judy dances with Marcus, who is played by Paxton Rodriguez, while Johnny, portrayed by Phillip Merriman, looks on. In another scene, Judy and Johnny share a tense moment. Sylvia offers motherly advice over tea.
Naomi James shines as Judy’s best friend, Fran, delivering both laugh-out-loud moments and jaw-dropping revelations. Her character is the antithesis of Judy, while her husband, Marcus, is portrayed with sleazy yet charismatic flair by Paxton Rodriguez. Olivia Hegger rounds off the cast with her performance as Alex, Johnny’s new boss.
The production’s visual elements are particularly striking. The set, a meticulous recreation of a 1950s home, is a triumph—kudos to head designer Dean Flockton and his team. Nostalgic projections between scenes further enhance the era’s aesthetic, transporting the audience back in time and reinforcing the idealised, almost mythical allure of the decade.
A veteran of Ottawa theatre, Director Val Bogan, and Assistant Director Cameron Wood deliver an engaging and thought-provoking production. At its core, Home, I’m Darling isn’t just about a couple playing house—it’s a story about timeless struggles: gender expectations, financial stress, and the complexities of love. Despite their conflicts, Judy and Johnny’s genuine affection for each other remains evident, making their journey all the more compelling.
Home, I’m Darling runs at Kanata Theatre until Saturday, April 5, with nightly performances at 7:30 p.m. (excluding March 30 and 31). The final show is a 2:30 p.m. matinee on April 5. Single tickets are $30, with affordable five-play multi-packs available for $100. Special pricing is also offered for students, veterans, and groups. Visit the Kanata Theatre website for more details.
Photo: Alex Henkelman Photography
