Runs until April 11 D H LAWRENCE'S moving play about family relationships is done full justice in this powerful production directed by Joanna Read. Although Lawrence left nothing to chance and hammered home his message about dominating mothers who emasculate their sons, Read has managed to introduce an aura of subtlety so that we are still surprised at what occurs. John Flitcroft is excellent as Luther, the son who is married but still only a tug away from his mother's apron strings.

The actor beautifully portrays the changing character of Luther from work-horse clod to a more sensitive individual who can finally show his love for his wife.

Niamh Daly as upright Minnie, Luther's moneyed wife, has a quality of stillness in her acting which she uses to great effect. Thus we know how cut to the quick Minnie is about her husband's coldness by just a gesture or a look. It's an impressive performance.

Dilys Hamlett achieves the difficult task of making Mrs Gascoigne, the mother-in-law into an almost sympathetic character. She lets us see that the reason this mother resists letting her sons have their freedom is for fear of being alone and unloved.

As the younger son, Joe, Richard Oldham is totally believable as he flirts with his mother and sister-in-law but comes to realise he is afraid of committing himself to a woman.

This formidable cast has been given an impressive set by designer Dominie Hooper.

The collier's kitchen is cleverly changed to reflect Minnie's gracious living aspirations. Dominating both is a backdrop showing coal seams like veins, providing the life-blood of the people in the coal mining town.

If you have time, read the programme definitions of the dialect words used in the production. Some are obvious, others less so.

This thought-provoking play has been handled with care to provide a theatrical event which is both entertaining and rewarding. Doreen Crowther

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