Seven Year Itch (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Seven Year Itch

THE Playhouse Company present George Axelrod's play The Seven Year Itch at the Playhouse Theatre, Cheltenham from July 12-19.

The play, made famous by the film version which starred Marilyn Monroe (in that white dress) in 1955, is about a plain middle aged man, Richard Sherman, who has sent his wife Helen and son Ricky away to escape the summer heat while he must stay "in the hot city and make money."

Following Helen's orders, Richard has promised in their absence to eat properly and not smoke or drink.

He is also resolved not to 'play around,' like so many other men as soon as his wife leaves town.

Richard lives on the ground floor of a brown stone building. On his first night alone, his active imagination goes into overdrive.

During a conversation with his alter ego, the audience sees all his worries.

Then the apartment buzzer rings - the new tenant has not got her key. So he lets her in and instantly discovers that in spite of being married for seven years, he still has eyes!

Richard's imagination meets reality and the audience shares both with him as he struggles not to scratch an itch.

Tickets from the box office on 01242 522852. Performances begin at 7.45pm.