'Daughterhood' was written by Charley Miles as part of the Playwright fellowship programme. Charley Miles is a playwright from North Yorkshire. Her debut play, 'Blackthorn', was produced in 2016 and went on to become a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn award in New York in 2017.
'Daughterhood' is a stage show revolving around the relationship of two sisters. One sister stays at home to care for the Dad. The other sets out to “make a difference”. Reunited under the same roof again, each is determined to let the other know exactly who has done things right.
The play charts the sisters' changing relationship through the years and their own different perspectives on certain life events. It works in a non-linear structure, using flashbacks to show the various events. The time-line can be a little confusing at times but the actors do a great job, through characterisation, to show the age and the circumstances of the characters'.
The trio of actors Toyin Omari-Kinch, Charlotte O’Leary and Charlotte Bate, are the same ensemble that I had seen in 'Dexter And Winter's Detective Agency' and while this was a very different piece the actors brought the same energy and commitment to their roles.
Toyin Omari-Kinch played an array of different characters, his change in accents and physicality really helped the audience to understand each character. This was particularly seen in his portrayal of the Dad. His northern accent and strong gestures allowed the audience to see the man which at this point had only been referred to in the play, it was the one of the last flashbacks and enabled us to understand the man the dad was before his illness and the complicated relationships both daughters had had with him previously. His performance was both sweet and unsettling, hinting at a darker character beneath.
Charlotte Bate played Pauline, the put-upon sister who had stayed to look after the father. Her performance was interesting as we got to follow her journey of decisions that led to her final circumstances. It also charts the rise in resentment she has towards her sister Rachel. Charlotte Bates' performance of her monologue was truly touching. Her stillness coupled with such an emotionally expressive face gave a stunning visual of a woman drowning in her life choices. Her vocal tone and pace allowed the words she was speaking to really resonate with you. It was the first time in the whole play I truly felt I understood the character and the choices she had made.
Charlotte O’Leary played the younger sister, Rachel. She played the character well, always maintaining that clear energy that youth has that contrasted so well with the lack of energy and slumped body language of her older sister. She was a carefree character and this was evident in all her movements.
The chemistry between the actors worked so well. They had a great rapport with each other that allowed the development of a very real portrayal of a relationship between sisters. I found myself comparing some of the moments to that of myself and my sister and I think therein lies the strength of this production. You can relate to it, understand the emotions and some of the choices the characters have made. Charley Miles has beautifully crafted a piece that allows us to make comparisons with our real life and leaves us asking the question of which path we would take, which sister's story would be our own.
An interesting watch, I would recommend it, especially if you have siblings!
Reviewer - Francesca Eager
on - 20/7/19
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