Light-touch comedy has hidden depths exploring grief and betrayal
The Holey Matrimony written and directed by Andi Hardy-Rastall. A Phoenix Players Production, performed at The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, from Wednesday 30 September until 3 October 2026.
Review by Charles Essex
Allan was the popular vicar of the local parish church, happily married to Sally, who was dutifully at his side. He ministered to his flock; she ran the Women’s Institute (WI). But Allan led a secret double life, with an affair with a parishioner, only revealed after he died unexpectedly.
This play had unexpected depths to it as it explored grief, friendships, flawed characters and resolution, within the framework of a light-touch comedy. Taking several roles, Baz Stilinski showed Allen to be a man with feet of clay, dedicated and caring but unable to be faithful, seeking excitement outside his marriage with Dee (Karen McDonald), to whom he had given pastoral support when her husband died.
Lynne Neale flawlessly portrayed Sally’s hurt and anger when the extent of his deception was exposed. As the play progressed Lynne superbly conveyed several of the Kübler-Ross stages of grief with emotional authenticity. Graham Robson was perfect as the bumbling and inept bishop, with a delightfully understated performance and timing.
Sally’s friends Joanne (Eloise Essig), Maggie (Fiona Robson) and Sandra (Jane Ormsby) were a terrific trio, foils for all Sally’s mood swings. Eloise gave Joanne a prudishness that contrasted well with Fiona’s Maggie, a no-nonsense character, while Jane depicted Sandra as rather scatty and other-worldly, but all were well-meaning.
Rather like three men in a boat, these four women in a church hall got up to adventures at the WI with classes with life model Matteo and Slinky Steve the dance instructor [both played by Baz], while Sandra’s enthusiasm for New Age philosophies saw them all engaging unsuccessfully in yoga-meditation with guru Dr Greg (Nick Milton).
In several soliloquies Sally expressed her feelings towards Allan, but there was a gradual shift as the anger lessened. The plot took an interesting turn when Sally and Dee met and they became reconciled to the pain of their losses and to each other as they each expressed their distress at the death of their respective husbands.
Director and writer Andi Hardy-Rastall achieved a remarkable exploration of grief with this clever script and humorous characters.
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