A Family Affair

26th October 2000

On Thursday 26th October, 2000 I travelled from Coventry to Cambridge to see Rik Mayall in 'A Family Affair' at the Arts Theatre. I had never been to Cambridge before or seen Rik Mayall in real life before, so it was really exciting! We finally arrived at the Theatre with only fifteen minutes to spare! Somehow we always end up getting lost!:-)
It was a lovely little Theatre which you get to through the tiny alley ways surrounded by Historic buildings, Churches and shops . The play 'A Family Affair' is an adaptation of the French film/play 'Un Air de Famille' by Andy de la Tour. A Family Affair was still set in France and the characters still kept their French names, but they didn't try to make it French-i.e talking in French accents. One of the actors, Neil McKinven is Scottish and he kept his Scottish accent! The stage set was great! It was set in Henri's (Rik) cafe/bar. It was all about the weekly family get together on a Friday and all the problems they .....well mainly Henri is having. It is a funny play and a must to see...especially if you're a fan of Rik Mayall's or of the other actors and actresses. I won't give the story and outcome away as you need to see it for yourselves!:-) Unfortunately I missed seeing Rik after the show. I waited by the stage door for him....but he'd already been signing autographs inside!! I couldn't believe it! Oh well, it was just brilliant being able to see Rik in this great play anyway!:-)

Betty ~Rachel Power

Denis ~Neil McKinven

Henri ~Rik Mayall

Madame Menard ~Anne Reid

Yolande (Yo-Yo) ~Susan Wooldridge

Philippe ~Steven Pacey

Caruso ~The Dog!