Sally Phillips delivers a captivating performance in 'Relics', a new play at the Lyric Hammersmith that explores themes of memory, loss, and the objects we leave behind. The production, written by Theresa Ikoko and directed by Bijan Sheibani, has been praised for its blend of warmth and wit.
Plot and Performance
The play follows Barbara, a woman in her 60s who is clearing out her late mother's house. Phillips portrays Barbara with a nuanced mix of vulnerability and determination, as she confronts the emotional weight of each item. The narrative weaves between past and present, revealing the complex relationship between mother and daughter.
According to the Guardian review, Phillips 'brings a rare combination of comic timing and emotional depth to the role, making Barbara both relatable and deeply affecting.' The critic noted that the play 'avoids sentimentality, instead finding truth in small moments.'
Direction and Design
Sheibani's direction ensures a fluid pace, with seamless transitions between scenes. The set design by Ultz is minimalist yet evocative, using a series of boxes that transform into rooms, creating a sense of memory as a physical space. Lighting by Paule Constable shifts subtly to denote changes in time and mood.
The Guardian review highlighted that 'the production's visual elegance complements the text's emotional precision.' The use of sound, including a haunting score by Michael Bruce, adds to the atmospheric quality of the piece.
Critical Reception
Early reviews have been largely positive, with The Stage calling it 'a quietly powerful exploration of grief and inheritance.' The Times praised Phillips as 'a comedian who can break your heart,' and the Evening Standard noted that 'the play's gentle humour prevents it from becoming maudlin.'
However, some critics felt the second half loses momentum. The Independent observed that 'while the first act is tightly focused, the later scenes meander somewhat.' Nonetheless, the consensus is that Phillips' performance anchors the production.
Broader Context
'Relics' is part of a trend in contemporary British theatre that examines personal histories through objects, similar to plays like 'The Inheritance' and 'The Glass Menagerie.' It runs at the Lyric Hammersmith until July 25, with tickets starting at £15.
