Production history
''Barking in Essex'' was written by Clive Exton in 2005, but never performed prior to his death in 2007. In November 2012, it was announced that the play would be performed for the first time in September 2013, for a limited run until 4 January 2014. The UK premiere was produced bSynopsis
Algie Packer has been in prison for seven years for committing bank robbery and it is the day of his release. There is only one problem; his mother Emmie and his sister-in-law Chrissie have spent the proceeds of the robbery on luxury items, like around the world cruises and blue Ferraris. What follows is a comedy of errors as the Packer family try to cover their tracks and go on the run, involving a lawyer, the street hit-man and a pair of maracas.Principal roles and original cast
Reception
Reviews for the production were mixed. Charles Spencer (journalist), Charles Spencer in ''The Daily Telegraph'' wrote: "Wonderfully funny. Imagine a cross between Mike Leigh's ''Abigail's Party'' and Quentin Tarantino's ''Reservoir Dogs'' … not a show that will appeal to everyone, but those who like their comedy black, blue, and raucous will have a ball." Simon Edge in ''The Daily Express'' wrote: "It has the depth of an extended sitcom and not every gag works. However the cast are uniformly strong and it is profane good fun that had me cheerfully guffawing." Some however were more negative and Michael Billington (critic), Michael Billington in ''The Guardian'' wrote: "As a piece of black comedy, Clive Exton's play is neither sufficiently dark nor consistently funny." Henry Hitchings of the ''London Evening Standard'' wrote: "While Harry Burton’s production has moments of vitality it can’t make up for the weakness of the writing. It felt a terrible waste of a strong cast."Awards and nominations
London production
References
External links