Conjugal Rites by Roger Hall directed at the Gaslight Theatre, Cambridge by Andrea Goodman

Gen (Jo Bishop) and Barry (Steve McMurray) are in bed. It is the morning of their 21st wedding anniversary. “21 years – doesn’t bear thinking about, does it?” Barry hasn’t changed a lot in 21 years but Gen has.  Their roles have changed and this, inevitably, causes friction within their relationship. Conjugal Rites, so masterfully written by renowned New Zealand playwright Roger Hall, explores many of the situations two people in a relationship face – increasingly dependent parents, increasingly independent children, changing career prospects, friends and their influence, aging bodies, different expectations and the inevitability of growing older.

Every one of us who has been in a relationship will readily relate to many of the situations and conversations that take place over the course of this wonderful play. The play takes place entirely in Barry and Gen’s bedroom, that place of sanctuary where things are said and happen that are not normally shared with the outside world. A thought provoking and humorous look at the normalcy and intricacies of life and relationships.