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?
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| 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
Saturday matinee @ 2.30pm
Tickets
·
Full Price: £16
·
Concessions: £13
Book
Tickets CLICK HERE
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