All the Little Lights

Rick Bowen from StageStruck - 4 Stars

THE first thing I have to say about this play, the emotional equivalent of being hit by a train, is don’t be fooled by its cosy sounding title, with images of suburban cosiness.

It couldn’t be further from the truth in Jane Upton’s remarkable piece of writing that’s both funny and painfully evocative.

Joanne and Lisa, who had an almost sisterly bond until they separated, ache for a better life even though the spectre of sexual exxploitation lurks in the background and threatens to crush their dreams.

Amy, described as being like a baby by the formidable and feisty Joanne is simply looking for somewhere to belong.. As the three girls there’s an unsettling authenticity to their performances with Georgina Brame, Natalia Leaper and Isabel Stuart-Cole deserving a far bigger audience than the one that trickled into the Lauriston on opening night.

While Upton’s play is a very difficult watch in places, theatre is at its best when it gives a voice to the voiceless and humanises issues like child abuse.

Director Meg Brassington, so, so funny in the lead role in the Garrick’s production of the Vicar of Dibley, proves she’s equally at home with the serious stuff and I also liked her very convincing litter strewn set which formed the girls’ hillside sanctuary.

It was a brave decision for the Garrick to stage such a challenging play which deserves to do very brisk business at its box office.

Star rating ****