'In Basildon' is full of explosive family dynamics and knotty relationships, embracing history, emotion and a strong sense of homeland. This depiction of indigenous Essex dwellers is uncompromising and at times harsh, but Eldridge also elicits deep sympathy for his characters as they face death, grief and crumbling familial bonds.
I started reading this on Wednesday and I actually read 3 of the 4 acts before I got to see the play on Friday night. It's a very touching story of history always repeating itself - a rather grave topic. There were a lot of jokes and puns only proper Londoners or people from Essex got, but generally both reading and seeing the play was a great experience. Especially on stage the characters were cast and portrayed brilliantly.
3.5 STARS!!!!! Really well written and a lovely story about how money controls peoples life and family and living life. The only thing wrong was the fact that I started to get confused at times and I think the ending could have been stronger but I suppose it is a naturalistic play so far do's. Nicely written!