Review: This Is My Family, New Wolsey


Evelyn-Hoskins-(Photograph-by-Johan-Persson)Nicky’s family is slightly dysfunctional. Her father is in a panic about turning 40, her elder brother has wed his Goth girlfriend in an unconventional ceremony, mum is stressed with her monotonous daily routine and auntie Sian has a new, much younger, boyfriend. And, to top it all the family are coming to terms with grandmother, May’s failing health.

Nicky enters a competition, where she has to write a piece about how great her family is to win a family holiday. When she wins this great prize, Nicky has the choice of anywhere in the world to take her family, but the destination she decides to take them surprises them all…

This Is My Family is a fabulous piece of theatre, beautifully written by Tim Firth, the writer of Calendar Girls. Fast-paced and with some great musical numbers, My Family is hilariously funny.

Clare-Burt-(Photograph-by-Johan-Persson)The characters are brought to life by a very talented cast with exceptional vocal arrangements. With a new musical it’s always hard to win an audience over with unfamiliar songs, however This Is My Family has no trouble in this department.

An imaginative set is the backdrop for the story, with lots of stairs for the teenagers in the tale to stomp up!

This Is My Family is both brilliantly funny and extremely moving with characters that many will identify with.
This production is jam-packed with songs and laughter and is the perfect evening out on a cold autumn night.

This Is My Family is at the New Wolsey Theatre until Saturday 15th November. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 295900 or visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

– Wendy Cook, Ipswich24 –
Pictures Johan Persson

Marjorie-Yates