The Kitchen Sink

TNT

Staged in the round, with the sandy shale of the Withernsea beach encroaching on the kitchen, Tom Wells’ touching new play is the first full length production at the Bush’s new home.

This is a gentle domestic comedy of an ordinary, if quirky, family going about everyday life with all the joys and frustrations that involves.

Mum’s a positive-thinking dinnerlady who likes to experiment with her cooking (courgette muffins, anyone?), dad’s a milkman with a milk float that’s falling apart and a business which (thanks to the local supermarket) is rapidly going the same way. Meanwhile daughter Sophie is working towards her black belt in ju-jitsu and their gay son Billy, an avid Dolly Parton fan, is desperate (or at least he thinks he is) to get into a London art school.

Funds may be limited, and dreams can be dashed at any age, yet there’s a lot of love circulating through this Yorkshire household – and gawky trainee plumber Pete (Andy Rush) adds a touch more. Nothing earth-shattering happens, but Tamara Harvey’s affectionate production is well-acted, often very funny and manages to spring an unexpectedly watery surprise.

Bush Theatre, Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ Tube Shepherds Bush Until December 17 (£15-£20)
bushtheatre.co.uk