Three Women (24:7 Festival, Manchester)

Three generations of women and united by tragedy in Mari Lloyd‘s simple and poignant play. 16-year-old Ellie has lost her baby at 22 weeks without even knowing she is pregnant.

Her mother, Lorraine, who also once lost a baby, thinks that having a funeral for the baby, which her’s didn’t get, will help.

We are left with the thought that in wanting this funeral, Lorraine is making up for her own loss rather than her daughter’s.

Annie Edwards as Nan, Jackie Jones as Lorraine and Lily Shepherd as Ellie capture well the interaction of three generations of mothers when faced with tragedy. I like the way three pairs of shoes, indicative of their ages, are positioned prominently front of stage.

The fateful day dawns with a sulky, difficult Ellie pleading illness and refusing to wear black or even attend the funeral.

This goes down badly with Lorraine, who is desperate for the baby’s short existence to be acknowledged and a proper goodbye given. Nan is concerned for Ellie and only wants what is best for her. The play builds up to a climax when all their fears and misunderstandings tumble out.

Despite the sad theme, there are glimpses of humour to grease the wheels. It’s a trifle slow moving but is very believable and I, for one, felt relieved when the ending offered hope.