A Night Out in London: Woman in Mind & Zizzi

A far cry from the playwright's Norman Conquests that were staged at the Old Vic last year, this is an intense dark comedy that demonstrates Ayckbourn's ability to tackle serious subjects.

The focus is on the mental breakdown of Susan, a dissatisfied housewife who fantasises about a life more idyllic than her own. Janie Dee plays the lead role and highlights the eccentricities of the character with a sharp, sensitive edge. Her fluent transition from reality to the dream land portrays the sinister side of a destructive imagination.

Dee is joined by Ayckbourn regulars Bill Champion, Joanna David, Stuart Fox and Paul Kemp. Fox gives a fine take on negligent husband and clergyman Gerald and Kemp evokes much of the laughter as the nervous, floundering doctor Bill.

Ayckbourn has a knack for staging emotional family issues in ordinary, domestic settings. Woman in Mind is set in Susan's back garden. But within a time span of two days we witness the ruin of relationships and a collision of two entirely different worlds. In the final scene the elements of the surreal have crept into the production with a forceful presence. Carnival–style costume and the distortion of language make for a haunting ending.

THE MEAL
Zizzi
www.zizzi.co.uk
Be it a quick fix or dinner date, Zizzi is the kind of restaurant that is fitting for many an occasion. So pre or post theatre it is always a good option. And if that giant box of chocolates or interval ice-cream tempts you during the show you can make up for it with the Zizzi Healthy Menu. It is credit crunch friendly too. At £9.95 for the set meal, a starter for £4.95 or a single main course for £6.95 it is difficult to go wrong.

For starters the Bruschetta Al Pomodoro; warm toasted altamura bread with santos tomatoes and fresh basil is light but full of flavour. Or you could go for the Zuppa di Fungi, a creamy mushroom soup. Alternatively, the Insalata Semplice with shavings of Grana Padana may appeal.

The classic salad is also an option for main course as is a Spaghetti Pomodoro. But it is the Risotto Fungi that has achieved the impossible - a creamy risotto without cream. Delicious. The blackcurrant or mango sorbet should make a refreshing desert.

There is always a buzzing atmosphere at Zizzi. With this healthy, reasonably priced offer it is at its peak of popularity. Zizzi Charlotte Street has recently had a designer refurbishment, incorporating the work of Central Saint Martins student Camille Roussea, so it might be the ideal time to pay this branch a visit. To celebrate it will be offering diners the opportunity to sign up to the Zizzi loyalty card and benefit from a 10% discount after 2pm everyday. Reserve a table and make an evening of your theatre trip without breaking the bank...or that healthy eating plan.