Sydney review- In The Next Room, or the Vibrator Play: very pleasurable experience

By Paul Kiely

In The Next Room, or the Vibrator Play

By Sarah Ruhl

Directed by Emma Whitehead

A New Theatre Production

King Street, Newtown

Season: 24 April -17 May 2025   Bookings: https://newtheatre.org.au

Duration: 130 minutes approx (plus interval)

Looking for a love story? Or a need-for-love story? What about a lovestruck story?

These, and more are contained in the hilariously funny and entertaining play In The Next Room, or the Vibrator Play, now on at Newtown’s famous New Theatre.

Firstly, the title of the play is like a double-edged sword. Its titillating reference to ‘vibrator’ may alienate or attract audiences. Therefore, some context is in order.

The setting is late nineteenth century and society is caught up in the amazing benefits that electricity is bringing to people’s everyday living. Notably, the electric lighting of streets, houses and appliances. With the flick of a switch, lives are being made simpler and safer. In medicine, the harnessing of electricity to new devices is changing the way ailments are treated. This brings me back to …the Vibrator Play.

Written by Sarah Ruhl, I would describe the play a historical snapshot of the treatment of ‘hysteria’ and how one invention improved self-awareness, emboldened women’s choices and helped save countless ‘loveless’ relationships.

The play takes place in the home of Dr and Mrs Givings. The living room is where patients arrive and polite small talk takes place. ‘In the next room’ is the surgery, a private place where women (and some men) seek treatment for melancholy, anxiety, feinting, fluid retention and sexually impulsive behaviour. At the time, these symptoms were referred to as ‘hysteria.’

Catherine Givings (Sarah Greenwood) is a seemingly perfect housewife. She loves her new baby but feels detached because of low milk production. Lack of intimacy with her husband is acerbating her frustration. Dr Givings (Riley Thomas) provides well-meaning support for his wife but lacks the emotional understanding of her needs. His time is devoted to the success of his newly invented electrical vibrator, a hit with the local women. In the evenings he likes to attend his club.

One particular patient is Mrs Sabrina Daldry (Lisa Kelly). Her nervousness is a matter of concern for Mr Daldry (Lewis McLeod), but after one consultation, Mrs Daldry appears much relaxed. So much so, her passions may be extending beyond Mr Daldry.

A sub-plot concerns motherhood. Upon the urging of Dr Givings, Catherine agrees to hire Elizabeth (Ruva Shoko), an African American wet nurse to feed their baby.

Elizabeth herself recently lost her own newborn. Catherine fears her baby is bonding better with Elizabeth than herself, thus creating further anxiety.

Dr Givings’ assistant Annie (Alyona Popova) provides confidence to the mainly female patient list, but certain overtures from Sabrina Daldry make her realise where her sexual predilections lie.

Leo Irving (Luke Visentin) is a fascinating patient. As a talented artist, traveller and deep thinker, his bouts of melancholy require the use of Dr Givings male-version vibrating contraption. It is a machine to behold!

Under the direction of Emma Whitehead, actors were outstanding. All gave consummate performances. With a great script and plot, drama and comedy were delivered flawlessly.

The production side excelled as well. The set was suitably Edwardian and amazingly converted to a snow-filled backyard in the final scene.

Lighting had a field day, given that a central topic was electricity. Blackouts, brownouts and ambient effects really set the mood.

As for costumes, perfect! Clothing was heavy, layered and colourful.

The play highlighted issues in relationships. And many were explored. It dealt with the love between mothers/babies and husbands/wives; the conflict between white /black and employer/employee; the clash between art/science; and the dynamics between mother/wet-nurse and doctor/patient.

In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play is cleverly written. Sensual matters were comically presented, but tastefully done, if one can imagine! It was an interesting story about closed-door matters rarely discussed. Enlighten yourself and relax, this is a very pleasurable play to enjoy!