The Gathered Leaves

Park Theatre

This play deserves to be shouted from the rooftops. Not one stone is left unturned, extremely sentimental and perfectly presents how illness brings a family together with intense emotions seeping through.

Just a note that this piece tackles some hard-hitting issues: illness, separation, race and autism. Moments may be intense and potentially triggering for some audiences.

It's very clear that this play came from the heart and that a ton of research went into crafting the writing. What does family tradition mean? A question you find yourself thinking about more and more as this piece goes on. The Pennington family come together for the first time in 17 years to celebrate a big birthday in the family. It's time to put aside differences, put the past behind them, but the cracks may be bigger than they anticipated. It's all about acceptance and understanding. Each character represents different issues that families may face, and their blood and name are the only things that bring them together. It's drama-filled and emotionally charged! There is a big embedded statement about the differences between generations and how the older generation needs to reflect on their thoughts and actions. The message of the piece and what you learn from it is important; this play deserves a revival after 10 years!

Considering the issues tackled in the play, it's imperative to have a cast who have fully understood their character; in terms of their background, meaning, and generation, to make the piece as natural and hard-hitting. Each actor clearly showed the dynamics of the family, and whilst each performance was magnificent, two performers stood out. The brothers of the piece, they were two leading roles, but each moment on stage alone and together was extraordinary. The connection they built with the audience was special. The brothers were Richard Stirling, who plays Samuel Pennington, and Chris Larkin, who plays Giles Pennington. Samuel's character has autism, and Stirling displays a character who is wholesome, wrapped in cotton wool by his family in some ways, but at the same time judged, treated differently, and sometimes put down. This presents how stuck in their ways the family are, and their reactions towards his differences are heartbreaking to watch. Giles plays his protector; he clearly shows how well he knows his brother and how much time he's taken to ensure Samuel isn't alone and misunderstood. The moments they are in high spirits together are electric, and you can see how much their childhood together means to both of them. A realistic and beautiful performance by the two, a performance that must be watched by everyone, because it shows the importance of family and taking time to understand those around you.

There was not one element of this show that dragged the quality down. This level of attention to detail was something I have never witnessed before. The stage was a family living room, and it was the most realistic setting I've ever seen. Lighting, sound and set work in a stunning harmony to create this very real environment. The perfect carpet, light shining through the windows to give an idea of the time of day, the sound of birds and each element made you feel like you were sitting in the room. I'm convinced they cut a room out of a huge house and brought it to the theatre. The set is designed by Dick Bird, lighting by Paul Pyant and sound by Max Pappenheim. How they have worked together to bring the set to life from the playtext is admirable, and it is perfect for the play. Nothing felt like it didn't make sense or questionable, it all felt like a perfect fit, down to the fancy wrapping paper! I never thought I'd be so emotionally attached to a prop, but you see the house birthday cake in the middle, it is a symbol of love and what hard work you do to show your family you care. I've never felt more anxious for the fate of a prop before.

I can't fault anything about this play; it was an emotional experience that felt real, raw, and relevant. I think it should be mandatory to watch this show, because you will leave with a new perspective and learning. Andrew Keatley, the writer, deserves high praise for giving this play life. If it weren't for his top-tier level of writing, this play would not flow and work as perfectly as it does. The types of people the characters are, the home, and the environment are all made so crystal clear from his writing, and whilst each element of the show works hard to bring it to life, his writing is where it all began. This is a good example of why theatre is important, it can help you process feelings, understand things you never considered and spark/fan the flame of change in society. There is something in this emotionally charged piece of work that we can all relate to in our way. I will be recommending this show to everyone, shouting it from the rooftops, because the heart that has gone into this play is something beautiful and filled with empathy. Not one person in the theatre should be sitting down for the curtain call! Remarkable.