Every One

Synopsis

Jo Clifford explores the lives of an ordinary family who are aware that they are part of a story, and initially bemused by all the attention. The everyday concerns and events of their lives form the early part of the play - raising children, growing up, growing old. But all of this changes when Death comes calling. Plunged suddenly into a reality where they can no longer rely on the ‘certainties’ of existence, Joe, Mary, Kevin and Mazz must reassess their lives. Perspectives change and the things they cherish and regret are stripped of all the usual distractions and confusions. Jo’s play presents a warm and uplifting look at how ordinary people deal with tragedy. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has lost someone they love - and suggests that when we grieve it’s for the good times that are past rather than the pain we feel now.

Our Review:

25 March 2010

The Lyceum has had a good season so far this year with fine productions of The Price and The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Jo Clifford's poetic and moving new play, a very different beast to the others in the season, is equally as enthralling. Every One looks at the effects on a family of a sudden death and does so in a series of expertly delivered monologues. We see the reactions to the words, which tell us just as much as the words themselves. The staging is unusual, dispensing with many theatrical convention. This perhaps unsettles the audience to begin with but ultimately it is the words that move us.

Kathryn Howden delivers a beautifully judged performance as mother Mary, who lives for her family. Equally impressive are Kyle McPhail as her son, immersed in the fantasy world of computer games, Jenny Hulse the daughter about to leave the nest, and teacher husband Joe (Jonathan Hacket).The cast in completed by the excellent [Tina Gray...

Read more of the review

Latest User Review

No reviews yet

Click here to add your review