REVIEW: Living, Sheffield Playhouse
WHO KNOWS where the time goes?
Sandy Denny’s famous 70s’ ballad could be the signature tune for Leo Butler’s frenetic and balletic, dance to the music of time.
From a family living room it races through 55 years of Sheffield-based political and family history from 1969 to 2024 – like a three-hour scroll through the highlights of the lives of a generation.
Sometimes, they say, nothing happens for years but then years happen in a matter of weeks.
And so here some events get discussed while others referenced merely by a phrase, TV clip or song, or reduced to just a placard – such as the millions who marched against the 2003 Iraq war.
But the epic scope of the play is hugely ambitious – from women’s liberation to the miners’ strike to challenging racism and homophobia as Thatcherism, Blairism and later Trump, shape the world.
Though surprisingly missing is the massive impact on jobs and the future of the area after the 1979-80 steel strike.
Unusually for the 70s-80s, nurse Kathy – an outstanding Liz White – goes back to work after two children and Brian (an ever believable Kenny Doughty) stays home before, somewhat inexplicably, shifting from socialist to Thatcherite and back again after ill health.
But ultimately, as Kathy later points out, it’s always women who get blamed, one way or another.
Butler, who grew up in multicultural Pitsmoor where the play is set, reflects spirited resilience to changing times, but for me some issues are treated too superficially, leading characters to become stereotypes.
A superb cast of eight perform more than 30 roles with energetic style, poignancy, humour and passion.
Harki Chambra is Rajesh and others, Michelle Bonnard Jules and others, Samuel Creasey Mike, Andrew Macklin as Sean and others, Melina Sinadinou Maya and others, and Abby Vicky-Russell as Rebecca.
Immaculately directed by Abigail Graham, there’s a tremendous creative team effort including set and costume designer Sarah Beaton, lighting designer Matt Haskins and sound designer Annie May Fletcher.
Cheers from the audience at the end showed Living touched many real lives.
Living is at Sheffield Playhouse until April 4.