Review: The Lyons at the Menier Chocolate Factory

The Lyons
Menier Chocolate Factory
Reviewed on Friday 27th September 2013

Every family have their secrets, and the Lyons are no exception. The first act of Nicky Silver's play, which ran on Broadway last year, sees the Lyons family reunited, gathered around Ben's (Nicholas Day) hospital bed. Nicky Silver has created four huge characters. There's the father Ben, who with days/weeks to live doesn't hold back one bit, his wife Rita (Isla Blair) who also rarely bites her tongue. And then there's their two estranged children, Curtis (Tom Ellis) who creates fantasy relationships, and recovering alcoholic Lisa (Charlotte Randle). This of course is a wonderful recipe for disaster, and the characters do not disappoint.

Not only is The Lyons a (very) black comedy, but it also contains some quite touching, truthful moments which makes it a little more unpredictable than a stereotypical comedy. While act one is very funny, it is also a little lengthy. 

Act Two begins away from the hospital and I welcomed a change of scenery with open arms. The Lyons progresses far more quickly in the second act. Following some unfortunate events Curtis becomes injured, taking the play back to the hospital, this time with Curtis as the patient. The scenes which Curtis shares with his nurse (played by Katy Secombe) provided some of my favourite moments.

The play is well acted, with a particularly strong performance coming from Isla Blair whose feistiness and honesty were nothing but hysterical to watch. Tom Ellis (pictured right) also gives a strong performance, it is interesting to see him perform in a small space like the Menier where he has nowhere to hide. Tom certainly seems at home on stage and gives a well thought-out, detailed performance.

Having recently seen The Color Purple at the Menier Chocolate Factory, I felt a little disorientated entering the theatre as the layout has completely changed. For The Lyons, the theatre had a more traditional end-on stage which makes the theatre feel smaller. It works perfectly for this production as it adds an extra touch of intimacy, making it feel as if you are peering through the window, into the lives of this deeply troubled family.

For an evening of high quality theatre, performed at one of the most magical theatres in town, look no further than the Menier Chocolate Factory's production of The Lyons. You may even leave feeling a little bit better about your own life.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

The Lyons runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 16th November 2013.
Click here to buy tickets.

Photo credit: Nobby Clark

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