My Fern Flower
  • By Elaine C
  • |
  • 10th Feb 2020
  • |
  • ★★★★

According to an ancient myth, the fern flower blooms for a very short time on the eve of the summer solstice, and those who are fortunate enough to find it are granted earthly fortunes never before given to anyone else.

This tragic and moving story has been brilliantly bought to life on stage by this extremely talented pair of performers.

The storyteller for the performance is Jonah York, who tells the family story starting from when his mother goes into hospital to have a baby and only his brother comes home with them. Their father sinks into a depression after she dies, however he loves to tell the boys stories and explains that when he finally finds the fern flower he will bring their mother home.

From family tragedy to tragedy that encompasses the author's note in the programme that through "... an amalgamation of myths that uncover a truth, a revelation, a quest" the story entwines the family reality and fantasy into a tale so tight that you are not sure what can be real. Driven by distraction their father leaves the family home and goes in pursuit of the fern flower.

When their father just disappears, social services are called and in order to stop them from going into care a family member steps in to look after them. With the arrival of their toxic aunt, will their lives ever be the same again?

York brings the family's story to life through his passionate and energetic performance. Musician Adam Michalakis accompanies York throughout with a variety of music and sounds effects. York highlights the enormity of pressure put onto his character by running on the spot and talking faster. Those feelings of becoming overwhelmed demonstrate that feeling of needing to escape your own thoughts perfectly.

This tragic and moving story has been brilliantly bought to life on stage by this extremely talented pair of performers. Their chemistry on stage allowed the piece to flow smoothly bringing grief to life through an unusual direction.

Reviews by Elaine C

Camden People's Theatre

A Thousand Sons

★★★★★
Pleasance Courtyard

Please, Feel Free to Share

★★★★
theSpaceTriplex

Sweating the Small Stuff

★★★
theSpaceTriplex

Love Me

★★★
theSpace @ Symposium Hall

Brave Face

★★★★★
Army @ The Fringe

Tunnels

★★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

Part of Six Plays One Day at the Tristan Bates Theatre

Produced by Threedumb Theatre 

Sponsored by the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

Following the success of last year’s premier event, Threedumb Theatre is proud to return to the Tristan Bates Theatre for another whole day of one-act plays, showcasing a wide variety of new writing.

8th February 2020

https://broadwaybaby.com/shows... Fern Flower by Jonah York is an epic journey through soundscapes, physical theatre and storytelling. Come experience one man's quest to save those he loves the most.

Two Brothers. A collection of tales. One final journey.

My Fern Flower follows the journey of Jonah and Jim, two brother’s crossing through the thresholds of story and reality to help one another.

It’s a show about letting go, about hope, about bring stories from around the world together. It’s a story that brings out the imagination and magic in the act of storytelling.

Most Popular See More

The Book of Mormon

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

The Phantom of the Opera

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

SIX

From £39.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

The Mousetrap

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

The Play That Goes Wrong

From £27.00

More Info

Find Tickets