WISH YOU WEREN’T HERE at the Soho Theatre

★★★

“strong representation of modern mother and daughter relationships with beautifully honest and down-to earth delivery”

Wish You Weren’t Here, written by Katie Redford, tells the story of a mother and daughter from Sheffield going on a weekend getaway to Scarborough. Mila (Olivia Pentelow) is sixteen and overwhelmingly ‘over it’. Her mother Lorna (Eleanor Henderson) is a single mum and desperate to connect to her daughter. Their dynamic grows in complexity as the audience are taken on a whistlestop tour of topical inter-generational issues including feminism, social media and the environment. In a curious, but emblematic of the current era, characterisation Lorna appears more carefree and fun-seeking whereas her teenage daughter is more reserved and uninspired; a sign of the times. The weekend trip proves testing for both characters in this emotive and comical two-hander. The story is modern and well-tuned with realistic and playful dialogue throughout, making up for its somewhat well-trodden subject matter.

The themes of the play, likely as a result of being based on conversations and testimony from hundreds of young people by the Theatre Centre. Its mission to work with young people ‘to write a better future’ is further reflected in the show’s ultimate message of healing. As a piece of theatre in education, Wish You Weren’t Here reflects the zeitgeist of teenagers and does so without cringe-inducing references or ham-fisted observations. Both mother and daughter grapple with phones (adults are equally screen-addicted as youth) and both can relate to insecurities as women.

Scarborough and its trappings as a seaside destination are staged with five simple platforms at various heights (Bethany Wells) and through videos shown on tv screens, which also depicts the intensity of technology in the characters’ lives (Rob Watt). The tone of scenes is supplemented by lighting evoking bright arcades and dark streets (Jess Brigham). The sound design complements the videos and action (Tom Sharkett). Additionally, detailed and accurate images on the prop phones make the large usage of phones on stage infinitely less distracting (no obviously dark or incorrect screens when texting or facetiming! It’s the little things!)

A major success of Wish You Weren’t Here is the heartfelt performances of its cast, directed by Rob Watt. Pentelow embodies an eye-rolling apathetic teenager and impassioned but hurt girl struggling with the world with outstanding realism. Brilliantly, Henderson manages to appear both in opposition and support of her daughter, sharing her experiences as a once teenage mother with energy and presence. She ultimately tries to protect her daughter from hard truths whilst exposing her own flaws as events unfold. The pair portray a funny and tested relationship accompanied with some impressive “Dance Dance Revolution” sequences (Movement by Kiren Virdee) and ramblings about mushrooms “they need shit to grow”.

The show is a strong representation of modern mother and daughter relationships with beautifully honest and down-to earth delivery.

WISH YOU WEREN’T HERE

★★★

Soho Theatre

WISH YOU WEREN’T HERE at the Soho Theatre

★★★

“strong representation of modern mother and daughter relationships with beautifully honest and down-to earth delivery”