In Basildon

by Mr David Eldridge

"'People always get the wrong idea about Essex don't they?'"Len's on his death bed and the family gather to say their final farewells. His sisters still aren't speaking after nearly 20 years, his nephew's trying for a baby - and a bigger house, while his best mate Ken remembers 'Bas-vegas' when it was a village. As the spread is laid out and the ham sandwiches sit next to the wreaths, it's hard to see who's hungry and who's just greedy. "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. The play is an epic family drama exploring inheritance and the myth of place.

Genres: Plays, Drama

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2012

Reviews

[Josefine · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Rea Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Sarah Whitmore willis · Rating 2 out of 5]

A well written play which I didn't enjoy....along the lines of Last Orders