Theatre Three previews House and Garden this week

by Shawn Parikh

Theatre Three is about to kick off their 2008-2009 season in a special way. The company is previewing House and Garden this week, which are two separate plays that are intended to be performed simultaneously. House will be playing on the mainstage at Theatre Three while Garden will be playing in the smaller space, Theatre Too. These two shows were theatrical hits when performed in two of the spaces at The Royal National Theatre in London. Though each of the plays is complete in and of itself, the characters move between the house and the garden during each show, fitting perfectly into the puzzle plots of the funny shows.

In House, Teddy and Trish Platt's marriage is breaking up because of Teddy's affair with their near neighbour Jo Mace (who is married to Giles, one of Teddy's best friends). Jake Mace, Giles' and Jo's son, is in love with Teddy's and Trish's politically aware daughter, Sally, although his regard for her seems not to be reciprocated. It is the day of the garden fête, and the French film actress Lucille Cadeau arrives to open it. The novelist and political advisor Gavin Ryng-Mayne also arrives for lunch, in order to sound Teddy out about continuing his family's tradition of standing for parliament.

In Garden, preparations are underway for the fête, which is seemingly organized every year by Barry and Lindy Love (with minimal assistance), who are kept busy throughout the first act erecting tents and putting up side shows. You see the development of the unconventional relationship between Izzie, the Platt's housekeeper, Pearl, her daughter, and Warn, the Platt's taciturn gardener.

Both shows preview from July 10 - 13 and then officially opens on July 14. Theatre Three is offering you a $10 discount when you purchase tickets for both by calling 214-871-3300. Regular tickets may also be purchased online.