Family ties are put to the test in Relics, running at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre until 18 July.
Written by Ben Ockrent and directed by Michael Longhurst, Relics is having its world premiere at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. This play tells the story of four siblings who are reunited after their mother’s death. This reunion brings back tensions from the past, which explode in this family dramedy.
The play features performances from Charly Clive, JJ Feild, Sally Phillips, and Sam Swainsbury, as each of the four siblings. Each performer gets their own moment to shine in the show, but Phillips’s portrayal of Olivia stands out, as she drives the emotional backbone of the story with passion. Feild (Jonny) also has some very strong moments, particularly when Jonny’s ambition clashes with Olivia’s strong moral convictions, leading to escalated arguments.
The show’s comedy is employed effectively throughout, combining sharp dialogue, strong delivery, and a significant dose of physical comedy. However, a couple of scenes could have been shortened to direct the audience’s attention towards the emotional baggage that the four siblings are trying to unpack. Along the same lines, the show really takes off only once all four characters are on stage, which takes some time to occur.
Relics will continue running at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre until 18 July. Catch it if you have a chance!
Tickets to attend Relics were provided complimentary. We wish Relics all the best in their run!
Gonzalo
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