A Prayer for Wings, King's Head Theatre - ★★★★ - Until November 23, 2019


This is a dark look at the daily routine of two women, the mother who suffers from multiple sclerosis and the daughter who is her caregiver. It is an uncompromising vision that shows the monotony, frustration, anger and love that underlies their interdependence. Their poverty and circumstances rub their emotional relationship raw and expose all its wounds. For the daughter the only power she feels is with the boys to whom she prostitutes herself, and the only hope she has is in fantasies of another life. The mother clings to the pleasures of food and threadbare morality. This is a bleak story and the monotony and pain of their lives is palpable. It is brilliantly embodied by Llinos Daniel as Mam and Alis Wyn Davies as Rita. Both performances are stellar and never fall into parody. Luke Rhodri in his brief appearances gets it just right every time, creating three very different individuals. There was a certain sense of contrivance with the conclusion of the work, but for all of us who have endured or witnessed the struggles of a caregiver and care receiver, that reality is powerfully brought home.

Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until November 23, 2019
Tue - Sat: 7 pm, Sun: 3 pm
King's Head Theatre
Nearest tube: Angel
https://system.spektrix.com/kingsheadtheatre/website
Map & Location: 115 Upper St, Islington, London N1 1QN, UK

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