https://padlet.com/hcameronclarke/ThingsIKnowToBeTrueReview My review of Frantic Assembly's "Things I Know To Be True" en-us 2016-09-22 16:36:32 UTC 2016-09-29 16:18:56 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Terminator.png hcameronclarke https://padlet.com/hcameronclarke/ThingsIKnowToBeTrueReview/wish/125847943 There is absolutely no point in mincing my words here. I have so many emotions about it. There is no one word good enough to describe what I watched.
It. Was. Sensational! Its very rare that I watch something and end in tears, but I simply couldn't hold my emotions, like everyone else in the theatre that afternoon. The thorough construction of the piece as well as the execution was phenomenal! Who knew that a play about a normal, yet dysfunctional family in nothing but ordinary everyday wear could be so moving. It gives everyone something to relate to, leaving you want to call your family afterwards and tell them how much you love them.

Tear-jerking, emotional yet also funny storytelling about the Price family and their children who shift into their adult lives and tear away from the nest they were born and raised in.

We see what we assume is a year in the life of the Price family and how each of the children create their own paths in life, each being different to what the parents had imagined for them. It begins on a clear stage, leaving everything exposed, where their daughter, Rosie, tells of her gap year around Europe, admitting that she swiftly fell in and out of love with someone on her trip, even though it had felt like life had just begun for her. Whilst this was taking place, there was a lot of physicality within the company, giving the impression that when she was talking about the people she loved, she was weightless, soaring through her memories and the thoughts of her future. The lighting during this monologue was mesmerising, capturing the attention of all the audience members in what could only be described as a trance. 
She surprises her family when she returns home without any warning. They assume that something is wrong after she comes back early. You can tell just by this scene that each and every one of the characters has a problem of their own, but soon realise that in the end, it could be so much worse. You can also tell that throughout, Rosie, despite being the youngest, is the backbone of the family, even though she doesn't get much of a say, or is ignored or simply pushed aside.

Each individual problem can seem exaggerated when being compared side by side. One having their heart broken, one leaving their family behind to take a job in Canada, one coming to terms with who they really are and one who's in serious trouble after partaking in illegal activity.  The company does a sensational job linking them all to each other, and portraying how each and every one of them deal with their struggles.

The entire cast are so professional, portraying each of their characters personalities whether it be through humour, despair or otherwise. Everything flowed smoothly, with each character having the chance to connect with the audience and portray their ordeals. And as they do, we are dragged further and further into their lives.

The mother, Fran, is someone who is not to be messed with, her fiery temper and stubbornness shows that she finds it difficult to openly converse with her children as when arguments erupt she either tries to nip it in the bud or make it go her way. She is a complex character, who is perfectly conveyed through the actress Imogen Stubbs.

Her husband, Bob, shows that since retiring from a car manufacturing plant,  needs something else to focus on, that focus being his rose bushes. The scene of the garden grows and expands as the story unfolds, as more and more is added throughout. He lives for his rose garden, constantly tending to them as either a distraction from life or just something to do. He is the perfect spouse, being there for everyone in their time of need, portrayed as a more laid-back, minimalist character until later on in the production, when he reaches the end of his fuse when his son announces he's in a tremendous amount of trouble after being involved in illegal activities and the money stolen needs to be paid back, knowing that the working class family cant afford it. Or so they thought.

One thing that left me amazed was the slick use of props, sliding furniture effortlessly across the stage throughout scenes and their changes. The physicality throughout was dream like, capturing you, not being able to conceal the gasps that escape.

In the deepest moments of empathy and anger, there was always humour lingering somewhere, whether it be witty one liners or otherwise. The subjects being really touchy, yet somehow drawing you in to their struggles. And then a bombshell hits you within the last 20 minutes that leave you on the edge of your seat, unable to articulate your feelings as you're jerked about in so many directions. A moment where you feel your heart sink into your stomach and leaving you unable to control the tears that well in your eyes.

The roller coaster of emotions felt throughout the whole 140 (or so) minutes was a fast ride, nonetheless thrilling, not leaving a dry eye in the house. A truly amazing piece of theatre that will change your view on life and you feel as if you will never take anything for granted again.]]> 2016-09-22 18:59:13 UTC https://padlet.com/hcameronclarke/ThingsIKnowToBeTrueReview/wish/125847943