Good Grief

Synopsis

Good Grief is a touching, bitter sweet comedy. Returning from her husband's memorial service, a newly bereaved widow ironically sets about keeping a diary as therapy. Death as life however, has its unexpected moments, and she finds herself drawn to another man, for no reason other than he is wearing one of her husbands suits, which she has given to Oxfax. The relationship between 'the suit', the widow and her interfering step-daughter is an observation of hope and courage and an insight into the folly of being human.

Our Review:

Roz Carter - 29 October 2012

There are scores of plays that deal with death itself; the bloodied solider on the battle field, teenage suicides and even the odd poisoned chalice. But in Good Greif Keith Waterhouse deals with the aftermath of death through the eyes of a widow in suburban London in 1990 – and she deals with grief in a world of domestic appliances, stroppy stepdaughters and chance encounters. After June donates her late husband’s suits to the local Oxfam a strange twist of fate means that she becomes friends with the man who buys it.

Simon Kenny’s design creates a sense of emptiness through the house’s high ceilings and separate levels, while his cleverly concealed pub set provides the intimacy and warmth June finds comfort in. Tim Mascall’s lighting adds to this effect as his cold early morning lighting harshly exposes June’s fragile state of mind. Pop hits from the 90s play during the scene changes which attempt to crea...

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Latest User Review

Margaret - 1 November 2012:

Why did they make Penelope Keith attempt a Lancashire accent? She can't do it! I found this immensely distracting....

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