Deadheads – Assembly George Square

Miriam (Maria Pointer) hasn’t seen her sister, Jade (Gráinne Dromgoole) for two years. Their mum is about to remarry, and the sisters awkwardly reconnect while sorting through boxes of memories in the loft. The conversation is interwoven with scenes from their childhood.

The sisters have a five-year age gap, and nearly-four-and-a-half-year-old Jade looks up to big sister Miriam. Miriam nurtures Jade and gives her advice. Sometimes she messes with her, like when they play hide-and-seek and Miriam pretends that Jade is invisible. As they get older, Miriam becomes the rock of the family, supporting their mum when times get tough. She’s strong in public, but vulnerable deep down. No wonder she moves away to focus on her career. When the sisters reunite, Miriam is outwardly more successful, but it seems like Jade is now the stronger, wiser sibling.

I loved the dynamic between the two actresses. As they talk with each other, their eyes are full of love, but also bittersweet regret. There are pauses that seem to hold a thousand words. At one point they take turns to say, “don’t you dare start copying me”. There are giggles of recognition from the audience, and I thought of my own sisters. Their relationship feels real. Their shared history runs deep.

If I could suggest one point for improvement, it is that the switches between the sisters’ adult selves, and the childhood scenes, become a little too rhythmic after a while. The pace is contemplative, which suits the story, but I feel like something needs to shake things up a bit somehow. Perhaps the sisters could dance to an old CD, or something like that. Something to subtly alter the pace, while still maintaining the character of the play.

Playwright Maddie Lynes has created an evocative portrait of sisterhood, full of beautiful details, and her script is a gift for the two excellent actresses.

Reviewer: Wendy McEwan

Reviewed: 18^th August 2024

North West End UK Rating: