Rutherford and Son, National Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until August 3, 2019


Githa Sowerby is a playwright you need to know! This is an important work in the tradition of Ibsen and Shaw which explores questions of class, gender roles and patriarchy. But, it is also much more than an "issues" play. Sowerby creates characters we care about and identify with as they struggle to find personal meaning and value in a grim, oppressive reality of social and economic constraints. Is there an escape from a world view which sees all relationships as transactional?Roger Allam gives a masterful performance as John Rutherford, and Justine Mitchell's Janet is beautifully nuanced. Her developing strength and self-confidence is palpable. Polly Findlay's direction never misses a beat, drawing out the power of the words and enriching them with the silences. Lizzie Clachan's set is quite brilliant and almost steals the show. But finally, it is the play and Githa Sowerby's uncompromising look at the human condition that holds us spellbound.

 Reviewed by J.C.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until August 3, 2019
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Wed & Sat: 2:15 pm
National Theatre, LytteltonTheatre
Nearest tube: Waterloo
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/rutherford-and-son
Map & Location: Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX, UK

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