Jonathan Hyde and Joanne Pearce in The Gathered Leaves [Rich Southgate]

ANDREW Keatley’s bittersweet domestic drama The Gathered Leaves, returning to Park Theatre after premiering there 10 years ago, may feel a little old-fashioned (a drawing room play about the strained reunion of a middle-class family) but the terrific cast ensures we’re absorbed from start to finish.

Set over the Easter weekend of 1997, three generations of the Pennington family meet on the eve of William’s (Jonathan Hyde) 75th birthday, and we learn what has kept them apart for 17 years.
William has vascular dementia, but refuses to admit the severity of his condition to his long-suffering wife, Olivia (Joanne Pearce).

Samuel (Richard Stirling) is autistic and, although highly intelligent, has the impulses of a child. His protective, well-meaning brother Giles (Chris Larkin) tries to shield him from the cruelty of others but is frequently put down by William, who is also dismissive of his son Samuel.

Their sister Emily (Olivia Vinall) left home after falling pregnant. When she arrives with her daughter Aurelia (Taneetrah Porter), we learn the full extent of the family rift.

Keatley writes family dynamics with real skill. He deftly weaves together his various themes (and has fun dropping in period details – a game of Trivial Pursuit is a highlight). Alice (Ella Dale) and Simon (George Lorimer, a terrific debut), children of Giles and Sophie (Zoe Waites), inject further comedy, responding to generational differences with wry eye rolls.

Adrian Noble’s fleet-footed production is riveting to watch, and it’s a pleasure to see such a large cast – increasingly rare outside the West End – all of them top-notch.

Like last year’s The Forsyte Saga, about another dysfunctional family, this assured revival balances heartache with humour and deserves to play to full houses.

Don’t miss.

Until September 20
parktheatre.co.uk/