The atmosphere of The Union Theatre is lovely. Set on the stone wall of the union as the backdrop, welcoming the audience is a piano playing tramp (Tom Self) with a small drum kit being played and Double Bass being plucked, playing light and spirited music. The floor is covered in a fake grassy turf and some audience members are sitting on cushions on the floor for a more immersive experience. How light spirited it all looks with all audience members settle in for Salad Days we’re ready for the light hearted frivolity.
Written by Julian Slade and Dorothy Reynolds this classic musical is based around the conundrum of what to do after you graduate from school especially when you have parental pressures and societal expectations thrust upon you.
The tale revolves around Tim and Jane - two upperclass youngsters who finish school and don’t really know what to do with themselves. Tim’s family is nagging at him to get a job with one of his uncles (he has four and one they don’t talk about) and Jane who’s Mother wants her to marry someone rich and be taken care of - Ah the good ol’ days. They come across a tramp who pays them to look after a magical piano which, when plays, enchants people and they can’t stop dancing; until the second act, when they lose it. Then find it with the help of an alien and an uncle (Tim’s uncles make appearances through the show) - Strange premise but I suppose a deus ex machina is a deus ex machina no matter how silly it sounds.
