ACT Reviews 2022-2023 Season

character had for her children. There was also the torment and anguish that the character felt, of a mother watching one of her children being raised by another woman. This was all achieved by Sara immersing herself in the persona she had created. There were nice touches of ageing, to the hair especially, that reminded the audience that years had passed by. Playing opposite Sara, as Mrs Lyons, was Angela Mayall who started the play as a confident housewife but as the play evolves the character slips into a state of deep anxiety that makes her irrational. While this was played well and the character did evolve, for me, the anxiousness needed to start earlier and become more pronounced, not only in presentation but also in bearing and voice.

This play is a story of development, both in ageing and character, especially as the three children change from the innocents they are, when life is one big game, to awkward adolescence featuring first experiences and ultimately into adulthood with the pressures and responsibilities that it brings. The beauty of this play is that every member of the audience can relate to what is happening in front of them. Kevin Whelan was excellent and showed all of the above as twin Mickey who transitions

from the age of 7 (though nearly 8) through to 14, 18 and then adult life. His childish behaviours, full of energy and humour as well as energetic acting were a joy to watch. His decent into a depressed and angry young man were a credit to his acting skills. Jack Martin as the other twin, Eddie Lyons, was equally captivating in his character development, from the childish, carefree, hobbyhorse riding boy, into a university graduate and ultimately successful businessman and councillor. Completing the trinity was Charlie Lewis who, as the tom boy Linda, became the object of both Mickey and Eddie’s affections. This was a strong performance with excellent comic timing and playfulness of the