What do you imagine a play that began as a 2022 HSC project might be like? Chances are, you won’t picture anything quite like Misery Loves Company. Set in Belfast in 1977, against a background of The Troubles and punk rock, Isabella Reid’s ambitious debut seems like a play from another era. We are in the home of the Glynne family, here to pay tribute to Daphne, whose coffin stands on a pair of trestles, her portrait prominently displayed. Father John (Michael Yore) brings us up to speed with some of the details of a colourful life. Gathered in tribute are her fractious family: Dad George (Mark Langham) and his carer Jasper (Teale Howie); Daphne’s brother Henry (Paul Grabovac) and his two children (Lib Campbell and Clay Crighton), sister Dolores (Linda Nicholls-Gidley), daughter Jackie (Annie Stafford) and niece Niamh (Rachel Seeto). Daphne’s send-off proves to be anything but dignified, however. In scenes that evoke something of the sectarian chaos of the times, the wake turns chaotic in a 70-minute play so densely active it feels like it’s running at double speed. You’ll find that some focus is required to keep a handle on who’s who and what’s what (though Father... The post Misery Loves Company (Legit Theatre Co & bAKEHOUSE Theatre Co) appeared first on Limelight.

View Entire Post