For your next Group theatrical outing…

Two plays focusing on the parent/ child relationship.

First, we have FATHERLAND*** at the Hampstead Theatre Downstairs (until 29 November).

Pic by Pamela Raith

Winston Smith (Jason Thorpe) is an unqualified life coach who, having researched his family tree, arrives unannounced at his daughter’s home and informs her that they are going to County Mayo to try to connect with unknown Irish family members. Joy (Nancy Farino) is most reluctant, but her father talks her into going with him on his converted bus.

At the same time, Winston his facing a lawsuit, accusing him of contributing to the suicide of one of his clients. The play is mainly concerned with the road trip undertaken by father and daughter. Secondly, we see short scenes taking place between Winston and his legal advisor, Claire (Shona Babayemi).

Although, on the whole the dialogue is well written by Nancy Farino, the two themes of the play don’t really seem to gel together. However, the three actors perform naturally, and Winston is particularly good at showing how he avoids responsibility – to his daughter, and then to his lawyer and family of the bereaved client.  We get a little background about Claire, but not really enough to give us a whole picture of her character. The relationship between Joy and her father is mostly well depicted and we get an idea of their previous life together..

The stage design is excellent with just two chairs representing riding in the bus. Lighting and evocative sound design enhance the staging. Director, Tessa Walker manages the changes between scenes most efficiently. Worth a visit.

Then we have writer, Nick Paine’s THE UNBELIEVERS**** at the Royal Court Theatre (until 29 November). It is a dramatic play about a grief, stricken mother coping badly with the aftermath of her missing son. Much of it takes place seven years after her son went missing, but there are scenes in flashback showing earlier times and the difficulty Miriam (Nicola Walker) has in coping with her loss. It is terrible for a parent to lose a child and for that loss to be one that is unexplained and unresolved is almost unbearable. That’s what Miriam tries to deal with, mostly unsuccessfully.

Pic Brinkoff-Moegenburg

Nicola Walker gives a powerful performance and must surely be up for an award in the near future. The other actors – particularly Paul Higgins as Miriam’s husband and Ella Lily Hyland and Alby Baldwin as her daughters as well as Martin Marques as Miriam’s ex husband – are excellent.

Well directed and written with style and humour, there is a lot going for this. And please try not to miss Nicola Walker’s magnificent performance!

Written by

CARLIE NEWMAN