The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – but a wickedly black comedy from Much Productions is giving the phrase an entirely new meaning.

Written by Debbie Isitt and directed by Jane Sherwood at Eaton’s Little Theatre, The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband is a spicy tale about a love triangle served with a generous helping of acerbic wit.

Kenneth finds himself in the arms of Laura after 20 years of marriage to the culinary-talented Hilary.

But he soon discovers his new love can’t cook and mourns the loss of Sunday roasts, haute cuisine and the comforts of a settled life.

“When Hilary invites Kenneth and Laura over for dinner together, he readily accepts but is completely unaware of what delicacies Hilary has on the menu,” Jane said.

“It’s a darkly funny adult comedy that gives a highly-entertaining exploration of jealousy, humiliation, deceit and betrayal.”

Involved with the Perth theatre scene since 2005, Jane was a founding member of Phoenix Theatre and has been involved with the Old Mill, Stirling, Black Swan, Rag and Bone, Kwinana and Harbour Theatres, A lad in sane productions, ARENAarts and Fringe World.

She has won numerous accolades at the annual Finley Awards, Dramafest, South West Drama Festival and Hills Festival of Theatre including best director and best production.

After directing an acclaimed version of To Kill A Mockingbird earlier this year, Jane then established Much Productions to stage The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband.

Jarrod Buttery plays Kenneth.

“If, as is said, everyone is necessarily the hero of his own life story, then Kenneth is merely a victim – a middle-aged man worried about the future, seeking only sustenance and affection,” he said.

“In reality, he’s the epitome of selfishness, thinking only of his gut and his groin.

“He leaves his wife for a younger mistress but keeps returning for meals, so his comeuppance comes as no surprise.

“Playing the villain can be fun but Kenneth’s behaviour is so appalling, and some of his lines so gobsmackingly awful, that it’s enough to make anybody cringe!”