A Daughter's A Daughter

 “A Daughter’s A Daughter” was written by Agatha Christie (writing under the pseudonym of Mary Westmacott) in the 1930s, and first staged in 1956.  The complex relationship between a mother and her daughter is of course at the heart of the play.  Christie skilfully breaks each act down into a series of small, intimate scenes in which the relationships between the characters are minutely dissected, and one of the great strengths of this production is the way in which the development of each character is explored over time.  It is evident that the director has worked hard with every member of the company to get under the skin of each of the protagonists, and the result is a fascinating and engaging evening in the theatre as pretence and self-delusion are stripped away and honest communication finally brings some measure of peace and resolution.

The characters are very convincing, and I often felt as if I was observing a private family drama rather than watching a play.  Any unnecessary movement has been stripped away, which makes the action appear quite natural and focuses attention on the dialogue.  The simple but effective set, with its settee and upright chairs, its drinks cabinet and occasional tables, is well utilised.

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