Transferring from the Ink Festival, Bill Cashmore’s ‘Daughter’ is the story of growing up, the people we leave behin and the monotony of real life.
Entering the space the audience is met with a preset on stage right of a cosy working class living room with ‘Dad’ (Andrew Murton) reading a paper in his armchair whilst stage left, exhausted and henpecked young father (Joe Sowerbutts) sleeps on a park bench. A man at the end of his parental responsibility, and a man only just at the beginning of his.
The set was simple yet resplendent making excellent use of the fiendishly small space. Director, Julia Sowerbutts, must be commended for her creation of atmosphere, as through the dim yellowing glow of the corner lamp we experience the utter monotony of ‘Dad’s’ life as he does what he can to give his daughter all she hopes for.
Andrew Murton is very believable as the northern father, a character we would all recognise; familiar, awkward, and extremely truthful, he was full of useless facts and obscure quotes. Although this play was three hander, I wager Mr Murton could have carried the play on his own with no real loss to the audience.
Although the piece was presented as a glimpse into the boring real life of the every man, it did at points fall a little flat and I’m sorry to say I found myself admiring the bright green imitation grass more often than I probably should have.
With an honest and sincere feel the play is abundant with familiar and fond memories peppered with plenty of bad dad jokes. However I feel I’d have gained just as much (if not more) putting the kettle on and watching a boxset of ‘The Royle Family’.
Reviewed by Jimmy Richards
