London Classic Theatre’s production of Charlotte Keatley’s family drama that spans four generations of mothers and daughters is 'entertaining' and 'illuminating' reports Steve Davis...
OUR VERDICT
It’s as true in the theatre as it is in life that the things that are most likely to cause conflict and friction within a family are secrets and lies. Such is the case in ‘My Mother Said I Never Should’.
One might have thought that the most widely performed play by a woman might have been something by Caryl Churchill or Agatha Christie but this distinction goes, in fact, to ‘My Mother Said I Never Should’ having been translated or produced in 31 different countries. One can see why as even though the action is episodic and non-linear the themes and story are distinct and accessible.
Set in Manchester, Oldham and London it follows, sometimes in flashback, the story of Doris (Judith Paris) a working-class Lancashire lass born at the start of 20th century. Her daughter Margaret (Lisa Burrows) whose childhood was much affected by WW2. Margaret’s daughter the headstrong and artistic Jackie (Kathryn Ritchie), born in the ’50s but very much a 60’s child and Jackie’s daughter the ebullient Rosie (Rebecca Birch).
All four actors are exceptional in their roles. It would be easily done, considering the emotional nature of the text, for the performances to become overwrought but this is never the case under the surefooted direction of Michael Cabot.
The story hinges around a decision made after the birth of Rosie and how that affects all four generations of women. The narrative is punctuated by the four actors as young girls playing in a ‘timeless and magical’ wasteground. Although they sing about little girls being made of “Sugar and spice and all things nice” this is proved to be far from the truth as their play mainly consists of curses, bullying, blood oaths and murder plots.
The wasteground set is very effective. Dismal and menacing it’s exactly the sort of place that children would be drawn to in order to escape from adults. However, the set is less successful when purporting to be a garden in Raynes Park, an office in Croydon or a hospital in Twickenham.
As in all families – and therefore in all family dramas – what isn’t said is just as important as what is said and ‘My Mother Said I Never Should’ substantiates this once more. London Classic Theatre’s experienced team ensure this is enjoyable and skilfully presented.
Venue: Richmond Theatre, Richmond
Dates: 26 February – 2 March
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