(GayWebSource.com – Gay Media & Press Network) – Posted by Jake Simpson – TheGayUK.com
Ben Lyons is dying and he has no intention of going quietly. Accompanied by his wife Rita, who is already planning a post-mortem house makeover, he curses and insults his way towards the grave.
by Chris Bridges | 30th September 2013
His wife and his damaged adult children attend a scene that’s as far removed from the traditional deathbed tableau as is possible, they bicker, parry and voice their disappointments in an emotionally claustrophobic New York hospital room. Alcoholism, homophobia, loneliness and death may not immediately strike you as the most suitable subjects for comedy but handled well, the more bleak the subject matter, the funnier the comedy.
Nicky Silver’s darkest of dark comedy delivers in that it has plenty of wryly-amusing moments and occasional laugh out loud killer lines. The casting and staging is exceptional with particularly strong performances from Isla Blair as the tactless matriarch and handsome Tom Ellis (Miranda, The Secret of Crickley Hall) as the gay son whose life is less than it first appears. As always, the Menier dazzles with it’s versatile space and cunning scene changes too.
The main issue I had with The Lyons was that I failed to feel much empathy or find any redeeming features in any of the characters. Although the amusing moments were well written, unfortunately they didn’t sustain the play weith any consistency and the whole effect was a patchy drama which didn’t quite deliver all it initially seemed to promise.
In spite of this, I’d still recommend the play. The Menier is a great space to visit, Tom Ellis is well worth a look at (and not just for his manly beauty) and the whole cast deliver a convincing slice of American meanness. You might find it hard to like or understand this family but you may be able to laugh at their misfortunes.
The Lyons is showing at The Menier Chocolate Factory until the 16th of November
Buy tickets here: https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com
Photo Credit: Nobby Clarke
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