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 Mid-Century Café and Collectables, 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.

“Using a café instead of a theatre, we have to adapt the action to suit the space available.

“But the show is fun and fast-moving so we believe we can easily embrace this challenge.”

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.

“It came about after Meredith Hunter, who has played Hilary before, was eating at Mid-Century Café and Collectables and thought it was the perfect venue to revive the play,” Jane said.

“The venue is filled with an eclectic mix of ’50s and ’60s memorabilia and, given the play is set in the early ’60s, it seemed like a perfect match.

“There are even quirky little living rooms, which will now become the set for our show.

“The café also thought it was a wonderful idea to bring a different night’s entertainment to Perth.”