Every so often, a play comes along that’s as much a cathartic vent as it is a piece of theatre. Jonathan Maitland’s How to Survive Your Mother at the King’s Head Theatre is precisely that – a rollercoaster of nostalgia, neuroses, and motherly quips lobbed about with the frequency of commas. Based on Maitland’s 2006 memoir, this production is part therapy session, part roast, all served with a side of unvarnished family dysfunction. Emma Davies stars as the titular mother – a gloriously scandalous woman who could use “fuck” as readily as one might breathe.
The plot follows Maitland himself, who takes the stage as a narrator, guiding us through a nostalgic yet biting portrait of his mother, who made waves in 1970s Britain by transforming their family home into the country’s first gay hotel. This setup isn’t just for laughs; it’s a bold re-examination of the mother-son bond, complicated by her unapologetically brash personality and a knack for narcissism. But as wild and chaotic as she appears, there’s a tenderness woven into Davies’ portrayal, inviting us to love her even as we cringe at her audacious lines.
The cast is delightfully dexterous, with Emma Davies, Peter Clements, John Wark, and Stephen Ventura morphing into nearly 40 different characters over 90 minutes.
Emma Davies shines in a wild portrayal of motherhood at its most unfiltered.
Clements, in particular, shines as Jonathan’s younger self, embodying the exasperated love a child feels for an unfiltered parent. Louie Whitemore’s pared-down set provides the perfect backdrop for the whirlwind of characters, underscoring the play’s raw, confessional tone while spotlighting the actors’ deft ability to shift from family members to eccentric neighbours to unsuspecting bystanders. It’s intimate, it’s chaotic, it’s family, in all its messy glory.
“When your mother uses ‘fuck’ like punctuation, it’s hard not to think she’s just talking in her own language,” Jonathan quips, bringing knowing laughter from an audience that might see hints of their own family dynamics in the mix. This humour, both sharp and self-aware, balances the tension as we’re drawn into darker reflections on legacy, identity, and the lifelong burdens we carry from our parents’ lives.
For all its laughs, this production also brings surprising depth to questions about how much of our parents’ drama we inherit and whether we ever truly escape it. This layered reflection adds poignancy to what might otherwise be merely an amusing romp through family anecdotes. The play’s structure brings Jonathan and his mother’s relationship into sharp focus, showing how trauma, humour, and affection intertwine.
Final Thoughts ★★★★
Would I recommend How to Survive Your Mother? Without a doubt. This is the kind of play that dares to be brutally funny and painfully honest all at once, capturing the mess of family dynamics in a way that feels all too real. With powerhouse performances – and a touch of innocence from young actors Brodie Edwards and Howard Webb as Jonathan’s early years – it’s both a riot and a reminder of just how deeply family ties can bind, annoy, and, ultimately, endure.
An unmissable, sharp-witted ride through the chaos of family life that will leave audiences laughing and wincing in equal measure.
Playing at the King’s Head Theatre until 24 November 2024.
Disclaimer: A complimentary ticket was provided in return for an honest and unbiased review.
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