Review: Same Time, Next Year at the New Vic Theatre*

I was at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme last night to watch London Classic Theatre‘s production of Bernard Slade’s romantic comedy Same Time, Next Year and what a wonderful surprise it was.

Based on the 1978 romantic-comedy drama of the same name, the play is about two people, Doris (played by Sarah Kempton) and George (played by Kieran Buckeridge) who meet in 1951 through a chance encounter (when George sends a steak over to Doris) in a Californian hotel that leads to a passionate one-night stand.  Both of them are married to other people and although burden by their guilt of a passionate night, they decide to meet again 12 months later in the same hotel room and this goes on for 25 years.

Directed by Michael Cabot, the production is based in a guest cottage of a country inn in Northern California and showcases both the actors  every four to five-years where we got to see their ever changing personality, dress style and opinions on politics. The start and end of each time period accompanies the music of the time and the dimming of the lights.

I found Kieran’s portrayal of George, the successful accountant living in New Jersey very believable. We got to know the shy, timid and quirky George who grew more confident through the years. While Sarah’s portrayal of Doris, a housewife from Oakland, San Francisco was just effortless. She showcased Doris as the pragmatic housewife who blossoms into a self-made business woman after graduating despite having four children.

Although it is clear from the start that they are two very different people, they are bound by their infidelity and attraction to each other.   The chemistry between the two actors was pure magic, showcasing their affection and lustful intimacy at the start of their relationship to the frustration and guilt which they both share as the years pass on.

Audiences were left laughing at their every joke and holding on to their every story, wondering what the next scene would entail.   The two-hander play went on without a hitch as they both maximised the use of New Vic’s theatre space.

Huge shout-out  goes to the Set and Costume Designer Bek Palmer who picked the right costume according to the specific time period, showcasing the the styles of the three decades and to Matthew Green the Lighting Designer who made the change from one scene to the next very effortless.  An entertaining production which is a must watch.  And dare I say – see you same time, next year!

Creative Team

Director Michael Cabot

Set and Costume Designer Bek Palmer

Lighting Designer Matthew Green

Producer Kathryn Cabot

Assistant Stage Manager Beth Brown

Production Photogrpahy Sheila Burnett

Cast

Kieran Buckeridge George

Sarah Kempton Doris

How much do the tickets to Same Time, Next Year?

Tickets are on sale now, priced from £18.50 – £27.50. 

How do I book tickets to Marvellous?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

The show started on Tuesday and will run until Saturday, 16 April 2022 with evening shows at 7.30pm and matinee shows at 2.15pm on Saturday.  There are two socially distanced performances, on Wednesday, 13 April at 7.30pm and Thursday, 14 April at 2.15pm.

Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?

New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG

The theatre has a large car park, with a £1.50 charge after 6pm on show days. Only contactless card payment is currently accepted for parking charges.

The theatre café is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday – then from 5pm for pre-show meals.

Booking is required for pre-show meals 5.30pm onwards, via their booking system at this link.

About London Classic Theatre

London Classic Theatre is based in Whyteleafe, Surrey. The company is run by Artistic Director Michael Cabot and Producer Kathryn Cabot.  Originally founded in 1993, London Classic Theatre initially produced European Classics on the London Fringe, establishing an excellent reputation and quickly coming to the attention of the national press. In 2000, London Classic Theatre was launched as a touring company, our production of David Mamet’s Oleanna opening in the 130-seat studio at Harrow Arts Centre.

It has been a fascinating journey. Since that first appearance, we have performed to over 600,000 people at more than 250 theatres and arts centres around the UK and Ireland. The aim, expressed in our original mission statement, has always been to produce challenging, accessible drama for audiences in London and the regions. To offer our work to venues of all scales and sizes, from arts centres and studio spaces to Number One and repertory theatres. To build and maintain relationships with these venues, and most importantly, to produce theatre of the highest quality.

About The New Vic Theatre

Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Keeping you safe

They want you to have the best experience possible when you visit the New Vic. To help you enjoy your visit, they’ve put some measures in place to help all visitors feel as comfortable as possible.

• Please feel free to wear a face covering whilst at the New Vic, when walking around the venue and during the performance. 

• They ask all guests to be mindful of fellow audience members when at the theatre, who may prefer to continue to keep a distance from other theatregoers whilst in their spaces.

• They have hand sanitiser stations positioned around the theatre, free to use by all. They are maintaining their high levels of cleanliness throughout the building, ensuring all spaces and contact surfaces are regularly sanitised.

Feeling unwell? If you, or a member of your party, are exhibiting symptoms of Covid19 prior to your visit, they politely ask that you do not attend the theatre. If this is the case, please speak to a member of their Box Office team who will be able to talk you through options to exchange your tickets.

You may also want to read this:

Review: Brassed Off at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Review: Marvellous at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Review : Intemperance at The New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-Under-Lyme

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.

Photo Credit: New Vic Theatre/Sheila Burnett