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Offers a unique perspective on the tumultuous relationship between a mother and her son, wrapped in humour and chaos. Summary
Rating
Good
How to Survive Your Mother revolves around writer Jonathan Maitland‘s flamboyant, narcissistic mother, Berouia Maitland, whose eccentricities included transforming their 1970s family home into Britain’s first gay hotel. This witty, poignant exploration highlights the complexities of motherhood and poses the timeless question of what it means to be ‘a good mother.’ The narrative is based on the playwright’s autobiography, depicting his mother’s outrageous antics, from running a questionable care home to her foray into the hotel business.
The set effectively captures the chaotic spirit of the narrative, immersing the audience in a world that is both absurd and relatable. The innovative use of cages to house props and serve as furniture adds a unique visual element that enhances the overall experience.
The play is 90 minutes without an interval, always an awkward time span to fill. Maitland himself takes the stage at the start, engaging in self-referential commentary that, while amusing, detracts from the overall dramatic tension. The impact could have been maintained more effectively with a dedicated actor portraying the playwright, allowing for a more seamless integration into the narrative.
The actors deliver commendable performances, with Peter Clements and Emma Davies particularly standing out. Clements emotionally engages the whole audience and almost has me tearing up at his portrayal. Davies shines as a phenomenal performer, spending nearly the entire 90 minutes on stage while adeptly playing three distinct characters. She skilfully differentiates these roles using varied accents and costumes, showcasing her impressive range. The dual role of mother and wife played by the same actress creates an interesting but uncomfortable dynamic, enriching the exploration of the mother-son relationship at the heart of the play.
Humorous moments punctuate the narrative, such as the lift scene where Maitland confronts his father, providing levity amidst the heavier themes. However, these moments are often overshadowed by lengthy narration that disrupts the flow. A clever touch is the use of an apple being thrown to signify age transitions, although the extended scenes focused on the younger version of Maitland could benefit from trimming to maintain audience engagement.
While some scenes are thoroughly engaging, the pacing occasionally feels slow, and the absence of a clear dramatic arc leaves the audience yearning for more dynamic storytelling.
While the performances and some inventive moments shine, the play ultimately falters due to its lack of narrative coherence and dramatic structure. It leaves the audience entertained but wanting, reflecting the complexities of familial relationships and the quest for understanding amidst chaos.
Written by: Jonathan Maitland
Directed by: Oliver Dawe
How To Survive Your Mother play at King’s Head Theatre until 24 November. Further information and bookings can be found here.
