I Know My Husband Loves Me... a ★★★★ story of betrayal


☆★★★★ I Know My Husband Loves Me...

Inspired by real events, Pete Talman’s new play I Know My Husband Loves... currently at the Union Theatre, is based on several cases that have exposed the police who have gone undercover in left-wing activists groups, had long term relationships, marriages and even children while still assuming false identities. 

The story of IKMHLM revolves simply around the concept of trust and is about a married couple, Mott and Trish with a three-year-old daughter, who are members of a far-left group - Better Red. One day the husband reveals he’s actually undercover policeman that was sent to infiltrate and undermine the group. The play follows them as we see where they go from there and discover if there can be love after such betrayal?  
Joyce Omotola & Lia Burge

Cleverly constructed as a series of flashbacks that tell the story from the beginning to the current day, director Niall Phillips has capitalised on Pete Talman’s writing in crafting a tight, clipped, almost filmic structure in which to explore the story of questionable love, undoubted deceit, and family/extended family in an alien world of intrigue and lies. 

With an ensemble of only four, it is fascinating to watch the juxtaposition of the different time frames. Shane Noone as Ali/Vernon is lyrically convincing as both husband and policeman and Lia Burge as Trish is beautifully conflicted in her responses to the man she ultimately loved. Both performances are authentic and heartfelt, especially when the young daughter is added to the dynamic.  

Lia Burge & Sianad Gregory
Joyce Omotola as Harriet, activist and confidante of Trish is joyously sane in such a conflicted environment, while Sianad Gregory as Blair is sustainably evil and unquestionably predatory in her pursuit of Trish’s friendship and more. Both performances are powerful on different levels, yet add another dimension to the collided, shattered relationships running through the piece. 

Running at just about 75 minutes, IKMHLM is fascinating to watch. Whether there is a resolution to all the issues raised, I am not sure? But, rest assured, it was vibrant, thought-proving and a captivating piece of original writing, with some grand performances from a superbly innovative ensemble. 

Performances
·         Dates: Mon 17th – Sat 22nd June 2019
·         Times: Monday to Saturday @ 7.30pm
Saturday matinee @ 2.30pm

Tickets
·         Full Price: £16 
·         Concessions: £13
Book Tickets CLICK HERE
 

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