ED2012 3/5 Reviews ED2012 Theatre Reviews

Once In A House On Fire (Monkeywood Theatre in development with The Lowry)

By | Published on Friday 31 August 2012

This show is an adaptation of the harrowing autobiography by Andrea Ashworth, telling her story of growing up in 1970s Manchester, and ultimately it proves uninspiring. The cast of three are adept at portraying the women of the story at different stages of their lives, and a 70s soundtrack livens up an otherwise quite flat performance. However, while the acting is strong, the direction and script seem to be lacking: the play is comprised of small vignettes from various stages in Ashworth’s life and such short glances don’t provide the emotional crescendos necessary for the subject matter. Unfortunately, what is intended as bleakness comes across as rather underplayed.

Northern Stage at St Stephens, 11-25 Aug (not 13, 20), 2.40pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Joanna Barrow]



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