Review by Jo Tomalin
For All Events
Consumed
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Consumed by Karis Kelly and directed by Katie Posner is a World Premiere, produced by Paines Plough, Belgrade Theatre, Sheffield Theatres and Women’s Prize for Playwriting Production in Association with Lyric Theatre Belfast, presented at the TraverseTheatre, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025.
This multi- generational play explores themes of transgenerational trauma, national boundaries and family dynamics set in Northern Ireland.
Our introduction to this story is an attractive and cosy set of a well kept large kitchen with a table and several chairs. We learn that this is Gilly’s home – and her mother, Eileen, the family matriarch, sits at the head of the table. Gilly is busy fussing around so that everything looks just right as their guests are about to arrive for a birthday celebration.
Gilly’s daughter, Jenny left Northern Ireland years ago and she and her daughter Muireann, live in England and are traveling to visit and celebrate their family. The long distance between them means that family visits like these are rare, so this is a special occasion and an opportunity to reconnect.
The initial chitchat between Eileen and Gilly is jaunty with Eileen’s comments dominating and Gilly placating her elderly mother by getting on with preparations. Gilly’s house has everything in to place, for the moment. When the two younger women arrive friendly conversation is punctuated by Eileen’s remarks. Jenny and her daughter seem like they are from another place in life and culture – and they literally are!
All four characters are different and well acted with texture and believability. There is much pride about their shared roots, particularly from Eileen played by Julia Dearden and Gilly played by Andrea Irving – but less sowith Jenny played by Caoimhe Farren, who left years ago and her daughter Muireann played by Muireann Ní Fhaogáin,
who doesn’t even have a hint of a northern Irish accent. Additional progressive ideas such as veganism demonstrate a huge chasm between the two groups and yet Eileen comes into her own with sound advice.
Lest we start wondering where male partners may be, bits of information come out in conversation and we get a picture of a family with a strong foundation that have secrets and foibles that sear to the soul. This is anentertaining and provocative slice of life family drama with a wry unexpected twist! Highly recommended! 4 Stars!!
More Information
https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/consumed-festival-25
