An evening of laughter, tears, and theatre was had by all at Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society’s performance of The Good Life this week at The Paget Rooms in Penarth. I was lucky enough to attend the opening night and had an amazing time that made me laugh from the moment I walked through the doors until the final curtain call, nearly 3 hours later! I hope you can join me as I take you through what was a stunningly well done production by the town’s community theatre group.

PODS are a friendly amateur dramatic society based in Penarth, founded in 1924. They are dedicated to providing entertainment for all ages, and are committed to staging productions that will appeal to the widest possible audience. Their latest production, The Good Life, is sure to be a hit with all who attend!

The Good Life, a theatrical reimagining of the TV sitcom that delighted countless millions, is an affectionate, witty and very funny homage to the series that we viewed on TV in the 1970s – or re-watched on the BBC over Christmas. It is also a deeply felt celebration of life, with its many ups and downs, and of friendship – with all its joys and sorrows. Having followed the lives of Tom and Barbara, and Jerry and Margo on screen, it was like meeting old friends again on stage.

This comedy leads the characters through uproarious adventures; some old, some new, and hilariously familiar. Tom and Barbara Good had always been happy with their lives. But after Tom’s fortieth birthday, he started thinking about what came next. He decides that after all the years of working, he wanted to have more time off and spend less money on things like electricity. So, why not convert their suburban home into a farm? They would grow crops in the back garden and take care of pigs and chickens too! Margo and Jerry Leadbetter were shocked when they found out their neighbours were now farmers. But soon enough, they come round to the idea, and even find themselves in the middle of the action when Perky the pig has a special delivery!

All in all this is a charming production you don’t want to miss!

The Good Life by Penarth Operatic & Dramatic Society is on at The Paget Rooms until Saturday, 15 Oct 2022. Book your tickets here.