No. 1 Fringe Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon
Resident company of the Attic Thatre
Mary, Catherine and Teresa are sisters who think they share a common past. A world of disputed bicycles, midnight ice-cream sodas, Mum’s cocktail dresses and perfumed advice – a seaside childhood punctuated by the odd monosyllable from Dad. But where does reality end and family myth begin? Why has war broken out in Mother’s bedroom – and why is Vi, so recently deceased, still with us?
BUM ON A SEAT REVIEWS
Shelagh Stephenson’s award-winning 1996 comedy is brought to the Attic Theatre, where the intimate performance space is a good fit for the confines of the bedroom where the action takes place. Said bedroom belongs to Vi, recently deceased. Her three grown-up daughters descend on their old familial home to prepare for their mum’s funeral. I use the term ‘grown-up’ loosely because the three sisters bicker like children at the drop of a hat.
We meet middle daughter Mary (Shannon Anthony), a doctor who still sees (or imagines) her late mother – to the point of having conversations with her. Eldest sister Teresa (Katherine de Halpert) has her own problems, with the brunt of the preparations defaulting to her. In storms youngest sister Catherine (Abigail Drennan) fresh from Spain and a spot of retail therapy (Kudos to prop finder Kat Murray for the nostalgic array of period carrier bags!)
The sisters can’t agree on anything, especially not incidents from their shared childhood. The play shows how memory is a slippery and malleable thing, and how family lore can be embellished or even fabricated.
When the sisters aren’t flaying each other with barbed remarks (hilarious lines abound in Stephenson’s vibrant script), they are lashing out at their menfolk. There is Teresa’s partner Frank (Rob Keeves) an ineffectual tea towel of a man. There is Mike (Ben Powell), Mary’s married boyfriend who won’t commit to either of the women in his life. And there is the unseen Javier, Catherine’s latest, who denies Catherine the phone call she so desperately craves, just to have a connection with someone.
Tempers run high in this volatile comedy. The structure is that of a Greek tragedy with its unities of time, place, and action – and indeed there are some highly poignant moments.
The cast is top notch with each of the three women breathing life into their characters, imbuing each sister with strength and vulnerability. They are supported by a brace of males whose reserve (or indeed inability to express their emotions with facility) make them the perfect foils for the hot-headed sisters. Add to the mix the coolly detached presence of Vi (an elegant Emma Wilkes) who has her own resentments and versions of events, and you get a hugely engaging piece of theatre.
John-Robert Partridge directs with an assured hand, getting the pacing and the mood swings spot on. The outbursts of physical comedy delight as much as the moments of raw emotion sting.
Hattie Human’s naturalistic set conjures up old lady bedroom with its floral print bedding, pink walls and pine furniture, although there is little for Kat Murray’s lighting to do other than to let us see what’s happening!
Another high quality production from Tread The Boards. Engaging, entertaining and relatable fun for anyone with siblings or who has lost a parent.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
The Attic Theatre is accessible via two flights of stairs or a lift and is suitable for wheelchair users. Please see the seating plan before making a booking to book the most suitable seats. Please notify us when you make your booking if you require wheelchair access. For more information on access please visit the AccessAble website.
