The Memory of Water – Everyman Theatre

Welcome to 1996 and into the family home of three very different sisters as they reminisce, reveal and ruffle each other’s feathers after the passing of their beloved mother. Welcome to Olivier award winning comedy The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson and directed by Lotte Wakeham.

A quick witted, passionate and heartwarming show which takes you on a rollercoaster of a journey through all aspects of grief. From the anger, sadness, uncertainty, memories and comfort. This comedy takes a deceptively simple premise—three wildly different sisters reunited for their mother’s funeral—and turns it into a sharp, funny, and unexpectedly tender study of family friction and love. Set entirely in the bedroom of their late mother Vi.

Entering the auditorium the staging is set (Katie Scott) you are in Vi’s room. Complete with floral bedspread, old wooden dressing table and old nick nacs under the bed. The set was homely and had great attention to detail. Props were accurate to their time. When the wardrobe is opened an array of wonderful pieces from old Vi’s time emerge. Scott’s costumes do subtle character work too—each sister’s outfit instantly communicates her personality and life choices from the moment they hit the stage.

The three sisters Teresa (Victoria Brazier), Catherine (Helen Flanagan) and Mary (Polly Lister) are what really drives the comedy, the contrast between the sisters themselves. Their differences spark rapid-fire arguments, awkward silences, and hilariously petty power struggles, all heightened by the emotional pressure of grief and reunion. The humour feels earned rather than forced, often landing hardest when it brushes up against something raw or unresolved. Beneath the jokes, there’s a strong sense of shared history—old wounds reopened, childhood roles reasserted, and memories that refuse to stay buried.

Brazier is the vitamin and meditation health nut, but who really needs to back away from the drink. Showing perfectly that she is the one who holds everything together…usually. She holds the secrets and she is the mother hen. Lister as Polly was a favourite of mine, says it as it is, straight to the point, doesn’t take messing but also with a softer side with feelings and wants which are hidden from her family. Finally, Flanagan as Catherine, at first, she grates on you, self centered and over dramatic. But she begins to make her own small journey through the goings on and you do end up warming to her.

Vi (Vicky Binns) does enter to give context to the sister’s backgrounds, the history and the impact she had. She glides around stage with an air of grace but also a side of harshness and a tough exterior.

The final two characters to add to the mix are Frank (Reginald Edwards) and Mike (Charlie De Melo). Edwards is lovable Frank who you can’t help but feel sorry for as he is a clearly calm and loving husband trapped in a whirlwind of a family to which he feels he has no control. He was quick witted and brilliant! De Melo as Mike, perfect as the suave but bumbling in his way with words doctor. Clearly, he himself doesn’t know what he wants from life and being thrust into this family may not have helped matters.

Lighting (Laura Howard) and sound (Andy Graham) were used well to demonstrate emotions within the room and music which dated back to periods in history creating just the right atmosphere when the girls replay their memories. Well timed and brought together on this production.

All in all, a great night. I was gripped by the arguments, I was shocked by some of the outbursts, I laughed at the quick quips. By keeping the focus tight, the play allows the audience to sit with the sisters’ discomfort and affection in equal measure. The result is a comedy that laughs at the absurdity of family dynamics.

Playing until 14th March, https://everymanplayhouse.com/event/the-memory-of-water/

Reviewer: Steph Wiswall

Reviewed: 26th February 2026

North West End UK Rating: