The Gathered Leaves ★★★★★ Park Theatre | Aug 13 - Sep 20, 2025


Andrew Keatley's The Gathered Leaves opens with two boys playing a game in which they are re-enacting a scene from an episode of Doctor Who, 'The Edge of Destruction.' The scene is about the need to apologise, and the value of thinking before acting. Thus, the theme of the play is set and the game motif, which continues throughout, is introduced. During the course of the Pennington family's Easter reunion, which is also the celebration of the patriarch William's birthday, they will play Trivial Pursuit, Backgammon, and Uno. All of these diversions reflect the fierce competition, arbitrary rules and need for survival strategies which characterise life among the three generations of Penningtons and which are on display throughout. However, as the squabbles and secrets that define this family are gradually exposed, interestingly it turns out that the game the boys have chosen to play also serves as a refuge from the realities of their family life. This latest production of Andrew Keatley's humorous, insightful and often uncomfortably impactful work is quite flawlessly cast. Jonathan Hyde is impeccable as the strict father and grandfather who is at last trying to reconcile with his rebellious daughter, while Joanne Pearce is perfect as his generally indulgent, but on occasion outspoken, spouse. Richard Sterling gets it just right as the couple's demanding, but endearing, autistic child, Samuel, and Chris Larkin beautifully underplays the usually docile and uncomplaining son and sibling, Giles. Zoë Waites, as Giles' unhappy and dissatisfied wife, manages to bristle with tension whenever she enters the room. It is a fine performance, which neatly complements all the other nuanced depictions of this family in crisis. The Gathered Leaves is deftly directed by Adrian Noble, and it is a superb production of a work which is bound to resonate with anyone who has ever been called upon to play the game of Happy Families.

Rated: ★★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Rich Southgate

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: 13 Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP, UK

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