A Good House at the Royal Court Theatre

A small shack slowly rises up the stage, seemingly assembling itself into what becomes the suggestion of a makeshift dwelling. As this one-act play progresses, various additions appear on the structure. While it begins to expand on the land it also increasingly consumes the minds of concerned community members. They live in the picturesque suburbia that is Stillwater, where everyone keeps to themselves and nothing remotely resembling a threat encroaches on their peaceful existence. This simple shack, however, exposes the fact that beneath the surface of Stillwater lie raging currents. Who are the invisible people that erected it on land that isn’t their own and why have none of the residents ever seen them?

Bonolo and Sihle are new to the neighbourhood. Once settled, they host a wine and cheese soiree for locals Lynette and Chris. The latter is distracted by his beeping phone throughout, and after all the usual pleasantries and small talk eventually dissipates, Chris voices what is on his and other residents’ minds: the weird structure. He and Lynette then posit the idea of a rate-payers association, something concerned with the upkeep of the culture and living standards of the area – a collective unit to tackle such problems as the shack.

As Bonolo and Sihle process the magnitude of what has been asked of them, they realise how at odds it is with their identities, particularly that of Sihle. It unearths various issues for the couple, including any racial tensions and prejudices they thought they’d escaped. They are apparently accepted by the primarily white locals and considered successful but still they feel they are being judged, which prompts them to question their sense of belonging. Gradually cracks within their relationship, as well as within wider societal attitudes, are exposed.

Chris and Lynette are fighting so hard for what they deem to be the perfect existence but fail to admit to and confront exactly what that really means. Young couple Andrew and Jess are worried the shack will lead to more unwelcome arrivals and that they’ll lose money when they come to sell their house. He is even concerned about potential risks to their safety.

Contentious thoughts are for the most part carefully concealed for fear of causing upset within the community, but as various tensions continue to stir, ugly truths inevitably etch away at the facade. On paper, the premise of Amy Jephta’s play is simple but, as with all excellent writing, a multitude of different layers are peeled back allowing for various themes to be explored. Pleasingly, there is also much humour in the script, which is elevated by an exceptional cast.

Olivia Darnley and Scott Sparrow complement one another well as Lynette and Christopher – the couple who are so desperate to appear approachable and easy-going while amping everyone else up. Robyn Rainsford is often hilarious as yoga instructor Jess while Kai Luke Brummer makes us laugh and wince in equal measure as her partner Andrew. The evening truly belongs to both Mimî M Khayisa and Sifiso Mazibuko, who offer truly engrossing portrayals of Bonolo and Sihle. From subtle to more overt facial expressions and movements to their line delivery, the pair provide rich, intricate performances and are a real joy to watch.

A spark is ignited early on; Jephta and director Nancy Medina stand back and allow this slow burn to smoulder as it stokes a great many thoughts within us. Well-structured and wonderfully performed, A Good House is simply a great piece of theatre. 

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Camilla Greenwell

A Good House is at the Royal Court Theatre from 11^th January until 8^th February 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the cast speak about A Good House at the Royal Court Theatre here: