Martyn Hesford’s new play is based on the life of artist L.S. Lowry. Set in 1934, Laurie finds himself living at home. He works a debt collector during the day, he follows the demands of his bed-ridden mother in the evening and at night slips up to the attic and paints. Mrs Lowry and Son is a play about the complicated and almost twisted relationship between a mother and son.

Trafalgar Studios 2 is one of the most intimate theatres in London and it works a treat for this production. I can’t image Mrs Lowry and Son being staged in a larger theatre as from the moment the play begins I felt as if I was sat in Elizabeth’s bedroom, spying  on the action. The experience couldn’t be more different from sitting in a large West End theatre and, while at times it feels slightly squashed, the theatre and play certainly provide a unique and refreshing experience.

June Watson and Michael Begley both give faultless performances; they both clearly know their complex characters inside out. One moment I felt sorry for Laurie’s mother, Elizabeth, the next I didn’t like her... and then suddenly I found myself roaring with laughter as I fell in love with her. The pace of this intriguing two-hander rarely slows and I completely lost all awareness of time. The storyline isn’t huge and in your face, but I found it consistently engaging throughout.

While some shows seem to be getting bigger and bigger it is so nice to see a play which takes everything back to basics. Mrs Lowry and Son isn’t about dazzling costumes and flying sets, it’s about two characters with a story to tell. With a short running time of one-and-a-half hours I highly recommend that you see Mrs Lowry and Son if you are looking for a funny yet truthful evening at the theatre.

 
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins
Reviewed on Friday 1st November 2013
Mrs Lowry and Son runs at Trafalgar Studios 2 until Saturday 23rd November 2013

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