From Manchester's Monkeywood Theatre comes a drama set in 1970s-80s Manchester. The play follows two sisters, Laurie and Andrea, through childhood and adolescence as they cope with domestic abuse.
Based on Andrea Ashworth's memoir, the play is heartfelt and honest, portrayed with realistically and sensitively by the fantastic cast. Sarah McDonald Hughes and Rachel Austin slip seamlessly from being ten-year-old girls to young adults and are perfectly believable; Francesca Waite gives an emotive performance as the mother, Lorraine. The characters they create are sympathetic and likeable.
Once in a House on Fire is a good example of a show that would benefit from having more performance time. Some aspects of the story are in need of further development, as elements of the plot are left unexplained. While this may be an deliberate technique to ‘bewilder’ the audience and put them in the position of confused children, it can be difficult to follow exactly what's happening. Side characters are introduced, but are played by the same three actresses, which can be confusing.
Similarly, a deep analysis of the conflicting emotions involved in domestic abuse isn't really possible in sixty minutes, so the play merely skims the surface. It does, however, explore the issues with kind sensitivity, addressing important factors without judgement. The abusive step-father is never actually seen or heard, only referred to, observed simply by the repercussions of his temper and its effects on the family. This is a clever and effective method to explore the personal consequences of abuse without sensationalising the drama. Although it is a well-worn topic, the play has an authentic feel and it's great to watch such talented actresses produce a play from their home town.
