That Face

Promoted as the story of an ‘alcoholic mother, absent father, rebellious daughter and broken son’, ‘That Face’ did not appeal to my theatrical tastes. However, following great critical acclaim since its debut in the West End, I surmised this may have more to offer than a few hours killed. Written at just 19, Polly Stenham raised more than just curtains with her playwriting debut. Now following an award-winning run in the West End, That Face has extended its performances UK wide. Act one sets the scene of a mentally unstable, and bitter mother Martha (Kathryn Howden) and her needy, almost incestuous relationship with her long suffering, caring son (James Young). Drama soon erupts when 15-year-old Mia, faces expulsion from her boarding school following an ill-conceived prank on a fellow pupil, leading to the return of their absent and unwanted father, Hugh to the family home. His imminent arrival fills the air with tension as Henry struggles to protect his mother’s interests. Act two however, had me hooked, the arrival of their no-nonsense father drew me into a world of anger, hurt, guilt and betrayal as old grudges and raised voices were raised to the surface. The emotional turmoil of Henry even succeeded in bringing tears to my eyes. Peppered with equal parts comedy and angst, this is a realistic yet entertaining tale of a family torn asunder and was certainly worthy of my time.