It was certainly a ‘different’ experience on a cold, wet November afternoon to walk into the auditorium of Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre to the smell of burnt toast. Also to indulge in some ‘sweet treats’ as bags of retro boiled sweeties, Swizzles and Parma Violets were handed around the bemused audience.
Nigel Slater’s ‘Toast’ is a bitter-sweet memoir of a boy growing up in the 60s accompanied all the way with the tastes and sounds of that era. Many of these may be lost on those born post-50s but for the rest of us baby boomers it brings back many fond – and not so fond – memories such as Black Jack toffees and Angel Delight!
It tells the story of Nigel and his family from the age of 9. Although there are smiles along the way there is also the aching sadness of a child whose bullying father is disappointed in him and whose beloved mother dies.
If you’re prepared for laughter and tears in equal measure it is a worthwhile piece of theatrical nostalgia superbly played by all the cast. Giles Cooper particularly plays an excellent young Nigel.
Nigel Slater’s Toast will be at Pomegranate Theatre until Saturday 30th November. For tickets, times & more information visit https://www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/shows/nigel-slaters-toast.aspx#.Xd-b4y-cZt9