Closure
Theatre Royal Windsor
Until Saturday, March 9
01753 853888
THE TIES that bind families can be intricate, layered and difficult to break, even when they get frayed.
Closure explores of the biggest difficulties a family can ever face, and deals with the impact and the fallout.
Running until March 9, this is a new thriller from Catherine O’Reilly and Tim Churchill.
The premiere, at Theatre Royal Windsor, comes with an all-star cast including Susan Penhaligon and Peter Duncan as the head of the family – Libby and Henry respectively.
They are thrilled when they learn their eldest daughter, Roxanne (a superb turn from Emma Carlisle) is returning like the Prodigal Son, to the clan after months away.
But the invitation to a dinner at her home in a secluded village sees secrets and lies come to the surface – and that’s just the starter.
This is a mature reflection on the lengths people go to keep it in the family.
As you would expect from accomplished actors Susan and Peter (yes, that is the former Blue Peter presenter) they rule the roost with aplomb, creating a very genuine dynamic between them and their brood.
Also in the cast are Joseph Thompson as Josh Carlisle, Jemma Donoban as Becca Kennedy, Christopher Jeffers as Alex Sutton, and Marcus Adolphy as Graham Martin.
To say much about their roles would spoil some of the surprises in store, but director Charlotte Peters has done a terrific job in maintaining the suspense and tension throughout the play’s near two-hour run time.
This is an accomplished thriller and it is fair to say even the most ardent amateur sleuth will gasp when the denouement comes.
As ever, the set designers at Theatre Royal have done an incredible job transforming the stage, transporting us to a remote setting.
It is terrific that Theatre Royal Windsor has invested in an all-new production, and this one is sure to run and run.
JUDITH CREIGHTON
