BOY was it good to be back in the theatre.

We all had our lockdown cravings: pubs, hugs, noisy clubs. My list included theatre.

I was delighted to hear that, after 18 months, Keswick's Theatre by the Lake was welcoming audiences back to its main theatre ­— with safety measures in place.

The excitement was palpable as we made our way into the auditorium and were greeted by a light, bright and stylish 1950s home.

A voiceover asked us to wear masks. People clapped. This was clearly going to be an easy crowd!

The lights went up on Judy and Johnny ­— the perfect couple. All smiles and style and terribly, sickeningly happy. Or so they said.

It didn't take long to work out that beyond the fabulous frocks, homemade lemon curd and nicey nicey chat, there were some serious issues.

It turned out high-flying professional woman Judy had lost her job in finance and thought it would be a good idea to take some time out, turn back the clock and live life as they did in the 50s.

Instead of landing home frazzled every night with no idea what was for tea, Judy had this nostalgic vision of spending her days maintaining an immaculate house full of retro wonders and looking gorgeous. Her lucky husband would return to his picture-perfect home to find his coiffed wife sashaying round with a huge smile and freshly made cocktail.

What's not to like? The old fridge which doesn't really work, the monotony of polishing the silver every Tuesday, relentless domestic chores and never being able to send out for a pizza, I'd say. For starters.

Home, I'm Darling, by Laura Wade, cleverly shines a spotlight on gender roles in Britain. It's thought provoking, with lots of humour thrown in.

Judy, played by Sandy Foster, came across as frothy as her frocks and was looking in the wrong direction for answers ­— back in time rather than forward. Judy seemed genuinely committed to all this fakery, her energetic charade left everyone feeling anxious.

Thankfully the other women had a much better grasp of reality.

Judy's mother (Susan Twist) could not comprehend her daughter's actions and attitudes and gave a compelling speech at one point. Her down-to-earth best friend (Vicky Binns) was great fun but also had her troubles. While Johnny's boss (Sophie Mercell) came across as confident, calm and successful ­— a breath of fresh air.

It was Johnny (Tom Kanji) who actually called out Judy, desperate for some honesty and an end to this bonkers fantasy life.

While Marcus (Sam Jenkins-Shaw) illustrated various traits which can be interpreted in different ways by different people.

The cleverly choreographed scene changes were entertaining in themself.

Home, I'm Darling is directed by TBTL’s artistic director, Liz Stevenson, and runs until October 30.