A warm production of Colder Than Here

YES, it’s about dying. But no, it’s not a depressing night at the theatre.
Colder Than Here is a gentle, heart-warming look at a family struggling with the terminal cancer of their mother, Myra (Maggie Tagney).
Playwright Laura Wade was in the audience on the first night and I can’t believe she was anything but delighted by this first regional performance of her play.
Freelance director Abigail Anderson used the deftest of touches to show a natural and realistic portrayal of a family brought together by the impending death.
Daughters Jenna (Augustina Seymour) and Harriet (Joannah Tincey) rediscover their sibling love for each during the months of planning for a fitting funeral for their mother.
And ‘distant’ husband Alec (Philip Rham) finds some measure of reunion with his wife as well.
It’s through a mix of humour and pathos that Laura Wade keeps the audience intrigued and, at times, entertained by the progress towards Myra’s final days. A cardboard coffin is the focus for many giggles as Myra considers a natural burial. Just as the characters are forced to deal with the self-assembly coffin sat in the middle of the lounge so they are also forced to deal with the many issues that have pushed the family apart.
It’s a lovely and surprisingly reassuring night of theatre.
Colder Than Here runs at Keswick Theatre until November 9. Phone 017687 74411  to book or visit www.theatrebythelake.co.uk.