The Daughter-In-Law

Synopsis

Adaptation of an early novel by the writer of Sons and Lovers. Set against the background of the daily grind of life in the pits and the industrial unrest of 1912, Minnie, the daughter in law, has to fight to win the commitment of her husband Luther, for so long dominated by the powerful figure of his mother.

Our Review:

13 September 2002

At first sight this seems a strange play for the Young Vic to choose. Ever since the Monty Python send-up of the Hampstead intellectual wanting to be a miner, there’s been a touch of condescension about the works of the earthy, industrial writers of whom Lawrence is a prime example.

The Daughter-in-Law is about a woman, Minnie, who marries Luther Gascoyne, a miner. Six weeks into the marriage, Luther is shocked to hear that his previous lover is pregnant by him. But that’s just the starting point for an exploration of some great themes: the debilitating effect of money, the power struggles within a marriage and most of all about a man’s relationship with his mother (that favourite Lawrentian theme). It’s to Lawrence’s credit that the action of the play revolves around the relationships between the individuals and doesn’t lapse into melodrama as he could so easily have done.

What comes across in David Lan’s clear and uncluttered production is how fresh and rel...

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Latest User Review

Ray Huggett - 4 March 2013:

It is interesting to contrast this review with the current Crucible production of the play. I am of the impression that it is the play that is at fault in that, by modern standards, it is shallow and cliche-ridden and little more than a parody of Lawrence's works. The director and actors are on a hiding to nothing in trying to overcome these shortcomings,particularly the male principal, who have little to work with from the text. Lawrence gave actresses such as Lynda Barron and Claire Price more scope and they performed with distinction. Well done to all involved because, in spite of the shortcomings, it was a thoroughly enjoyable night out. ...

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