Everything In The Garden

"Everything in the Garden" is a play by Giles Cooper, first produced by The Royal Shakespeare Company on 13 March1962 at the Arts Theatre, London.

An American adaptation by Edward Albee, dedicated to the memory of Giles Cooper, was first performed in 1967 at the Plymouth Theatre, New York. The Albee version changes severalaspects of the plot, including the names of certain characters.

ynopsis

The corruption of money and the rottenness of a bigoted suburbia where conformity to its illiberal standards and a hypocritical show of respectability are all that counts.The scene is the suburban home of Jenny and Bernard Acton. The one thing that seems to stand in the way of their happiness is a lack of money. The action starts in an entertaining 'comedy of manners' style. Then abruptly enters Leonie Pimosz who offers Jenny the opportunity to make more money than they have ever had, to buy a new lawnmower and all the other luxuries that they desire for their garden and their lives. Bernard's realisation that the recent upturn in their wealth is the product of his wife's whoring comes on the same day as: the return of their son Roger from school; and a champagne cocktail party they are giving to impress their friends. When Leonie pays a surprise visit during the party, it is soon apparent that the wives of their friends are also working for her, and that is why they are living so comfortably. Unfortunately, Leonie brings news that a Police Superintendent has visited the brothel and told her to "clear out or else". With the additional easy income and its concomitant material trappings now in jeopardy, the men set to resolve the problem in a businesslike manner. New premises one station up the line are identified; and it is soon decided that the 'old boy network' be exploited to handle the purchase and refurbishment of the property, and to secure essential services such as the telephone. However further complications arise with the untimely appearance ofJack, a bachelor neighbour.