The curtains draw open at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre, and a sense of anticipation hangs in the air as the critically acclaimed musical Fun Home bursts onto stage. This latest revival, directed by Sarah Frankcom, plunges audiences into the complex world of Alison Bechdel's family, where secrets lurk beneath every smile and the lines between truth and memory blur.
Jodie McNee brings depth and nuance to her portrayal of 43-year-old Alison, a woman still grappling with the enigmas of her past. As she navigates the twists and turns of her life story, we see glimpses of her younger selves – Alice Audrey O’Hanlon as the student, Felicity Moore as the young child – each one shining a light on Bechdel's evolving understanding of herself and her family. At the heart of it all is Nigel Harman's enigmatic portrayal of Bechdel's father, whose own hidden life casts a long shadow over their relationship.
With its book and lyrics by Lisa Kron and music by Jeanine Tesori, Fun Home is a deeply personal story that resonates with universal themes. Bechdel's discovery of her queer identity coincides with the revelation of her father's clandestine gay life, adding layers of complexity to their relationship. The musical navigates these sensitive topics with both raw honesty and unexpected lightness – from the upbeat Jackson 5-style funk song performed by the child cast members around an empty coffin to the feel-good 'Raincoat of Love'.
Yet beneath its poignant moments of joy, Fun Home does not shy away from the profound sadness that underpins the Bechdel family story – the inexplicable tragedy of her father's suicide. It balances this with humour, irony, and celebration, particularly in Alison's first romantic encounters. Performances from the entire cast, including Alex Young as the mother, have been lauded for their emotional depth and vocal prowess.
Since its original Broadway run in 2015, Fun Home has garnered significant critical acclaim – it won the Tony Award for Best Musical that year, making history as the first musical with a lesbian protagonist to take home the award. Its UK debut was similarly praised, and this Manchester revival continues to bring this powerful and moving story to British audiences, highlighting the importance of queer narratives in mainstream theatre.