Romping comedy at The Mill

A romping comedy that sees a fiery widower bid to seduce her new mild-mannered husband takes to the stage next month.

The Bed Before Yesterday charts the sexual becoming of Alma, a potted-meat heiress, as she discovers that sex is actually something to enjoy.

It soon becomes clear that once her libido is turned on it cannot be switched off, which is bad news for third husband Victor, a gentleman who would probably rather be listening to the cricket.

Susan Penhaligon, who plays the prim and proper lead, said that her character reminds her of middle class snob Hyacinth Bucket, from BBC's Keeping Up Appearances.

"Alma's just never taken to sex before, until she meets her husband and from then on lots of different hilarious characters come into her life," the former Emmerdale actress said.
"I have to say it's a joy to play someone so snobbish. It's such a brilliantly written play and we're still laughing at it when we rehearse."

The Ben Travers show is being updated  to the 1960s, from its original 1930s setting, for its run at The Mill in Sonning from June 4 to July 11.

Directed by Julian Woolford it sees wealthy Alma proposing to Victor, who is only interested in the money, on the condition there is no 'hanky-panky'.

But once she gets into her new found passion Victor sets about to solve the problem, with hilarious consequences.

The Land That Time Forgot star said that although there is a central theme involving sex, ultimately it is a romantic tale.

"I believe it's something that absolutely everyone can enjoy," she said.
"It's about discovery of sex but it is certainly not smutty. I think the sexiest word in there is 'tart'."