OPENING at Ilkley Playhouse this week is a stunning piece of theatre, told with passion, humour and huge emotion. The Herd is not to be missed. Another review of this play suggested that a stampede to the box office is warranted and they’re not wrong. To laugh out loud, become incensed, to feel and to weep in the space of two hours is genius.
Welcomed by celebratory birthday music, the audience arrives at Andy’s 21st party ahead of the birthday boy. Instead we meet his mother, Carole (Mel Winstanley) who is on the phone and cross. Quickly she is joined by her daughter, Clare, (Frances Kaye) come to help with the celebrations. It doesn’t take long to realise that things may not go to plan – Andy is being accompanied to his party by his carer and there’s been a hitch. Medications are discussed, breathing is an issue – Ventolin and nebulisers – nothing is ideal and yet this is family life.
Also attending the gathering are the grandparents, Brian (Stephen Brown) and Patricia (Barbara Barnes). They are weary and care worn, clutching keenly to any good news that might come from their granddaughter. Relationships are fraught – a consequence of years in the roles as carers – the mother for the profoundly disabled son, her mother and father for their daughter; Clare worries in equal measure for her mother and brother. It’s complicated in the way of all families and especially those who deal with complex needs.
Much needed optimism is brought in by a boyfriend – Mark (David Tomlinson) – even one with an unlikely profession! A first meeting for him with the extended family and it’s nothing short of a baptism by fire – especially when Ian, (Martin Isbiter) the estranged husband and father makes an appearance. For Mark is that most excruciating of experiences as he is launched into the midst of long held resentment, which comes quickly to a head with a lot of language being exchanged.
What makes this such a clever piece is the exquisite drawing of each of the characters - every one of them - and their view-points are utterly relatable and beautifully acted by this cast, each of whom is giving the performance of a life time. This is wonderful writing with pithy, witty lines (‘The woman who bore you is beginning to bore me!’) and humour which serves to heighten the emotion and deepen the empathy.
It’s hard to express what makes this such a rewarding play, except to say that its themes are known to us all - whether it is the guilt of a parent who wishes they could have done more, the longing for suffering to be over or the endless hope for the happiness and fulfilment of those we love. This cast, under the slick and sensitive direction of Rick Hyland, has achieved a remarkable chemistry and their feelings become ours.
It would be a challenge not to stand at the end and give this production the very warmest of ovations. It runs at Ilkley Playhouse from November 7th - 16th.
Tickets can be purchased on line @ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01943 609539.
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