Valley Artists

Date: 8 to 16 May 2004
Category: Performances

A black comedy by Bill MacIllwraith - Director Fiona Burless

Reviews

Does bullying, emotional blackmail and a dysfunctional family sound funny? But it is when it is presented with panache and such subtly that we feel sympathy for each and every one of the characters.

There is irony in looking at an exaggeration of the possessive Mum so soon after the sentimentality of Mothers' Day and with the Parliamentary gurus raving about family values. "The Anniversary" is a satire on these "values". It is about a Mum who will not let go.

Of Mum's three sons, Terry ( played by Neville Newman) takes after dad and is easily dominated. Tom ( played by Eamonn Smith) is like his mum and needs someone to dominate. The third son Henry (Tim Williams) is a lonely disturbed character who depends on Mum and is never likely to leave home.

Janine Oliver plays a Mum who adores her three sons and will not admit they have any failings. She has dominated her family so long that she becomes frightened when they threaten to leave and lashes out with every means at her disposal and then the home truths start flying.

The whole play takes place in a typical middle class living room of the 60's and is so well put together that we can empathise with each character.

Another enjoyable production for Valley Artists and thank you Fi- Fi for a night of laughter!

- Bette Thomas