Returning to the Park Theatre for a second run, set in the round, the revival of Philip Ridley’s modern classic Leaves of Glass retains all of its power.
Steven and Barry are brothers. We find out as the story unfolds that their dad died young, and mum Liz struggles with grief, control, and resentment.
Over seventeen scenes spanning many months, this production runs at close to two hours without interval, but not a second is wasted in this difficult exploration of family secrets.
Ned Costello, Joseph Potter, and Kacey Ainsworth return from last year’s run, with Katie Eldred (excellent) joining them to play Steven’s wife, Debbie.
Leaves of Glass is not an easy watch, as all three family members are clearly damaged and all say and do hurtful things. As Steven is on stage for every scene, we see the plot from his point of view, but is it the truth?
Director Max Harrison, fight and intimacy co-ordinator Lawrence Carmichael, and fight consultant Sam Angell make every moment of aggression real and raw.
Alex Lewer’s lighting design was marvellous, with spotlights, lamps, and one lengthy scene with next to no light at all, allowing the brilliant pair of Costello and Potter to fully engage with their characters to devastating effect.
This is a family in denial, with gut punches throughout. Steven is going to be a dad, but he can’t say congratulations to his wife. Barry has collapsed into drink and paranoia.
As for Liz, in Ainsworth’s capable hands, she is fragile as the breeze yet keeps the steely East End matriarch within with a breezy “Mum knows best”. It’s a beautiful performance, carefully measured.
This is a play that grabs you and won’t let you go. It unfolds its secrets cleverly and calmly, with hints falling in every scene, like leaves. Even Steven’s graffiti business has meaning.
When you go home thinking about a show, and then it is still in your mind the next day, all involved have done a good job. I’m so glad this is back, so I got an opportunity to see it.
Leaves of Glass continues until 10 Feb at the Park90, with tickets here.
*****
Image credit: Mark Senior