THE GATHERED LEAVES
Park Theatre
★★★★
“a finely flowing production that is consistently identifiable”
The centre piece of Andrew Keatley’s “The Gathered Leaves” is a beautiful birthday cake, lovingly created by the autistic Samuel for his father’s seventy-fifth birthday. A replica of the country manor in which the family have reunited for the celebration (the first time they have all been together for seventeen years), the detailed intricacy of the sugar-coated façade hides all manner of ingredients. Cut open the surface and the flavours are bitter and sweet, and we never know which mouthful we are going to swallow next. The Pennington family is a similar blend of mismatched elements that make up a dysfunctional whole. It’s a tried and tested dramatic formula but Adrian Noble’s revival is a compelling slice of theatre.
It is 1997 and change is afoot in Britain. The extended family appear to be sheltered in their comfortable privilege, but they are not immune to upheaval. The autocratic patriarch (Jonathan Hyde) is desperately trying to cling onto his authority and tradition while battling with a diagnosis of vascular dementia. Times have changed and the nine assembled members of the family are representations of these changes across three generations. Of course, sparks are going to fly, and drama is guaranteed. Keatley’s writing also injects warmth, humour and a precarious harmony that astonishingly never clashes with the suspense. Skeletons fall out of the closet, rattling with regrets, while resentments surface that are cleverly sculpted into some sort of shape of understanding, if not quite reconciliation.
The cast, across the board, brilliantly bring their characters to life. Hyde expertly combines rigidity with vulnerability, constantly surprising us with revelations that show a very human side to an outwardly unsympathetic individual. Joanne Pearce nails the ‘long-suffering wife’ syndrome while refusing to be sidelined or relegated in dominance. The younger generations are equally convincing. Richard Stirling has the almost impossible task of portraying the autistic son Samuel, but he grasps the complexities with acute judgement. Innocent yet volatile, with authentic mannerisms to match, his childish persona puts the other adults to shame by being the only really truthful member of the family. Except for maybe his brother Giles (a superb Chris Larkin) who tries to hold everything together; on the constant lookout for Samuel while trying to appease not just his father, but a dissatisfied wife (Zoë Waites) and his defiant children. George Lorimer and Ella Dale, as Simon and Emily, depict the younger generation with socially conscious humour, throwing in delicious dollops of subterfuge and modern sensibilities into the mix.
Many issues are dwelt upon (perhaps too many). The arrival of estranged daughter Alice (played with cool conviction by Olivia Vinall) reveals the extent of the chasm that exists within this family. She is accompanied by her dual heritage teenage daughter, Aurelia. Taneetrah Porter gives a standout performance as the young Aurelia. Bemused yet diplomatic she is the true peacekeeper, refusing to reject the failings of the family that she is witnessing for the first time.
A few scenes are unnecessary, particularly a couple of drawn-out duologues that act merely as a kind of postmortem to what has just happened. Otherwise, this is a finely flowing production that is consistently identifiable. The topics (particularly autism, racism, conservatism, liberalism… there are many ‘isms’ in this play) never become issues. Rather they are part of the fabric. Each act opens with a flashback to the young Giles and Samuel (Ellis Elijah and Joe Burrell respectively) which gives some background, backstory and build up.
“The Gathered Leaves” is ultimately moving, as well as being thoroughly entertaining. Shades of Ayckbourn mingle with hints of Pinter at times, but Keatley’s drama remains resolutely unique. There is a fair bit to laugh about, but it still remains serious while also gently pulling our heartstrings. A finely balanced evening.
THE GATHERED LEAVES
Park Theatre
Reviewed on 19th August 2025
by Jonathan Evans
Photography by Rich Southgate
Previously reviewed at this venue:
LOST WATCHES | ★★★ | August 2025
THAT BASTARD, PUCCINI! | ★★★★★ | July 2025
OUR COSMIC DUST | ★★★ | June 2025
OUTPATIENT | ★★★★ | May 2025
CONVERSATIONS AFTER SEX | ★★★ | May 2025
FAREWELL MR HAFFMANN | ★★★★ | March 2025
ONE DAY WHEN WE WERE YOUNG | ★★★ | March 2025
ANTIGONE | ★★★★★ | February 2025
CYRANO | ★★★ | December 2024
BETTE & JOAN | ★★★★ | December 2024
