Home at Seven Mystifies and Excels at The Tabard
Spiffing costumes and a zesty plot intrigue Susan Stanley-Carroll
Bridget Lambert and Sam Ellis in Home at Seven. Picture: Yuchu Zhao
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September 5, 2025
“Home at Seven”, a two-act period mystery drama written in 1950, should hit the spot as direction and acting are excellent. It closes on 20 September. The plot hinges on a 24-hour period of amnesia that will keep you guessing and eager to find out the truth.
Written by R.C. Sherriff - also the author of “Journey’s End” - directed and produced by Claire Evans; this immaculate production ticks all the boxes. From the seven actors perfectly cast in their individual roles to David Fitzhugh’s set that is a charming replica of a fifties sitting room - the original telephone belonging to R.C. Sherriff adds authenticity of the production.
The costumes by Jan Huckle are simply ‘spiffing’ including silver-gilt armbands, polished vintage leather lace up shoes, an ironed handkerchief, black and brown bowler hats, a pinny, and artificial flowers decorate the millinery.
A powerful opening scene rivets the attention of the audience and encourages our ‘suspension of disbelief’. The clues in this scene ‘although they niggled in my mind’ were soon overpowered by not only the action but the twists and turns of the zesty plot. Every ringing bell be it the front door or the telephone increased my interest and involvement as the plot rapidly darkened.
The cast are all experienced professional actors. Each one gives a top-notch performance as their diction, timing, involvement is 100% focused. It is interesting to observe the actors responding to such extraordinary, but seemingly plausible information as it is revealed.
David Preston (Sam Ellis, played in the 1952 film by Ralph Richardson) is a bank employee who comes across as Mr. Nice Guy, and yet as he tries to recall his amnesia his credibility diminishes. Sam’s strong, believable performance throughout the play is superbly sustained and his final moment is deeply moving.
Dr Sparling (Andrew Williams, played by Jack Hawkins in the 1952 film) is outstanding. Andrew creates a highly intelligent, engaging witty character who lurks under the carapace of an unobtrusive country doctor. Andrew adds depth and much humour to the intricate plot.
Greg Fitch (Inspector Hemingway) Karl Moffatt (Major Watson), Jeremy Todd (Mr. Petherbridge) - all three actors play their characters with assurance, humour and keeps the pace of the production pivoting along.
Bridget Lambert (Mrs. Preston, first played by Olivia De Havilland) is the epitome of a dutiful, fifties wife who obeys her husband unless provoked. Bridget exudes the glamour of the era and adoration for her troubled husband.
Maddie Crofts (Peggy Dobson) played her character with gusto and glitz and eventually warms the cockles of Mrs. Preston’s heart. Despite …. Ho! Ho! ? No spoiler revealed here!
‘Home at Seven’, is a polished production, ready to hit the boards, and tour other local theatres. An intriguing drama that will resonate with a range of ages as for some it will be a ‘walking-dancing’ museum piece and for others a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
It echoes memories and moments of the recent pandemic, as well as the horrific disasters, that are pounding out of many countries, within our brave but challenged world. The poignant finale of ‘Home at Seven’ clearly states R.C. Sheriff’s message to us through the last 55 years - but no spoilers!
Susan Stanley-Carroll
Performances at the Tabard Theatre are scheduled Tuesday to Friday at 7:30pm, with a 6:00pm Saturday showing. The cast includes Maddie Crofts, Sam Ellis, Greg Fitch, Bridget Lambert, Karl Moffatt, Jeremy Todd, and Andrew Williams. Tickets range from £19.50 to £23.50 and are available at tabard.org.uk or by calling 020 8995 6035.
Theatre at the Tabard is at 2 Bath Road, Chiswick (W4 1LW).
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