To view this play in its early scenes, one might be forgiven for thinking that it was nothing more than a family crisis drama, but it is a clever piece that deals with complex issues at a much deeper level.
The plot revolves around Harry, who, after a long absence abroad, returns to the family home in the New Forest, full of ideas and with a new partner, Dolores, in tow. This couple, played with conviction by Andrew Wheaton and Isobel Arnett, is resented by Harry’s son, Mark (Michael Cole), who has been left in charge of the house and feels abandoned. His heavily pregnant sister, Sarah (Verity Hewlett) has also arrived unexpectedly and the scene is set for much conflict.
Amid the arguing, guilt and accusations, these four reveal many levels of sensitivity. All powerful performances, Cole and Hewlett’s moving portrayal of the deep but confused affection between siblings is outstanding.
Arnett, Hewlett and Wheaton also play the dual roles of anxious parents, concerned for their missing teenaged children who were established in Lane’s companion play, Born.
As in Born, the audience is gradually drawn into the relationship we all share with nature. This concept is essentially built around the memories the main characters share with a long gone mother figure, whose spiritual presence haunts them all.
Lane’s dialogue is sharp, naturalistic and witty, with layers of subtlety which quite brilliantly weave together the numerous threads.
Only those with hearts of stone would emerge not feeling closer to nature.
Forest Arts, New Milton, October 1, then touring until October 29
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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