Writer: Mark Wilson
Director: Rosie Snell
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Moving“
3.5 / 5
Kathleen is finally being reunited with the son she gave up for adoption at birth. Excited, nervous and intrigued to see how her baby boy has turned out, it’s the moment she’s envisioned since she first said goodbye 30 long years ago.
She was only 15 when she gave her baby up for adoption, the result of a one night stand with a boy from the Army she barely knew, which shocked her horrified parents into the only solution they could think of. While Kathleen’s mother is portrayed as strict and unforgiving, her father is more sensitive, filled with love for his daughter and desperate to ensure she remains cared for. Kathleen’s journey is at the centre of the narrative, though the audience are also introduced to a variety of other characters impacted by the situation and shown their emotions also. Charlie (the adopted son), his adoptive parents and the circumstances that led them to adopting, Charlie’s birth father and his isolation after being in the Army, and Kathleen’s parents. It’s wonderful seeing every differing side, though at points it could be slightly scaled back and not as rushed, to allow each emotional thread it’s own time to settle before moving on.
Every role is played by Sarita Plowman and James Dangerfield, with slight accent and mannerism shifts to clearly signify each character. The pair do a great job at extracting the sensitivity and emotion from the script, the gentle delivery and measured interactions are beautifully endearing. Andrew Stuart-Buttle’s original score further amplifies the tender nature of the script, and is used perfectly in all of the right moments. The small space is used in its entirety, with the actors often leaving the stage and finishing lines in the aisle or the back of the room, which sometimes works as all encompassing staging, but is done slightly too often, and could be more impactful with more life on the actual stage.
Mark Wilson’s ‘You’ is brilliantly moving, and the differing viewpoints from everyone involved in the adoption process is an insightful exploration not often showcased.
Runs until 15th November 2025
RatedReviewed 
Just two Actors performed this Production. No costume change, just a different accent and different mannerisms made it clear who they were playing. Performed in a small studio, the Actors left the Stage multiple times to continue at the rear, which meant you had to keep turning back and forth to see what was happening! Also, a very bright spotlight occasionally lit up and shone directly on the audience, which blinded you for a few seconds!! Apart from those two irritations, the Play was very good and showed how the baby affected everyone involved.
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