A new play, "Honest Lies" heads out on three week tour. FIVE STARS.

The play evolved from monologues written during lockdown, and is the work of co-writers Jenny Stokes and Dawn Butler. 

Set in the Midlands in the 1970s, and with a cast and crew from the region, there are plenty of local references as the  play focuses on the often complex relationship between mothers and daughters. The writers tackle many of life's ups and downs although many of their subjects would not have been discussed during that era, from "living in sin", to pregnancy, childbirth, abortion and postpartum psychosis. 

Despite the seriousness of the subjects covered, the play has plenty of laughs with a backdrop of 70s hits, some of which Geoff plays on his guitar, and which have been cleverly chosen by stage manager/ sound designer Vicki MacWinyers to complement and give relevance to each scene.

The play opens with the main character Marion, played by Jenny Stokes, reflecting on her life and sorting through her things following the death of her husband Geoff, played by the only male member of the cast Nicholas Baker. Marion talks to the audience about her life from working in a hairdressers, to meeting and living with Geoff, though to pregnancy and having children. She is visited by her grown up daughter April, played by Dawn Butler, who calls round to discuss something with her, forcing Marion to revisit her painful past, as an event from her early life comes crashing into the present.  

Marion in her early years is played by Victoria Tew moving from carefree girl to woman as her relationship with Geoff develops. 

The stage is sparsely furnished with good use of the minimal props, as a table becomes a hospital bed and then a bath and a stool becomes a toilet. This multi use of the props ensures that the main focus of the play remains on the actors and their use of characterisation, as Geoff gets in touch with his feminine side in the hairdressers as Dawn and Victoria take on additional minor roles. 

The director Alison Belbin has ensured transitions through the eras and changing characters remain smooth, and don't detract from the play's thought provoking messages. While "Honest Lies" will appeal to mothers and daughters, it will also resonate with male audiences who will appreciate how generations and attitudes have changed over their lifetime. 

Arts Council funding has enabled "Honest Lies" to stage a play that offers something for everyone and is brave enough to tackle multi-generational issues and the strength of women everywhere. It is well worth seeing. Contact Smiling Eyes Theatre for the tour schedule.