The gloves are off in the thrilling new black comedy Relics at London's Lyric Hammersmith! Ben Ockrent's riotous script sends four adult siblings careening into chaos as they grapple with their mother's recent passing and a multi-million-pound inheritance that could be nothing short of a looted masterpiece. Director Michael Longhurst masterfully milks the tension as the siblings dig deep to uncover the dark truth behind their family's war hero grandfather - and his alleged role in swiping an Impressionist treasure during the Holocaust.
The central prize is a painting, strongly suspected to be Camille Pissarro's finest work. But as Jonny (JJ Field) eyes up its sale on the black market and elder sister Liv (Sally Phillips) insists they must do the right thing, younger siblings Michelle (Charly Clive) and Rob (Sam Swainsbury) find themselves in a battle for family loyalty - and their own moral fibre. Will they emerge with dignity intact, or will the pressure crack them wide open?
The production's early scenes unfold on Joanna Scotcher's ingenious set, a half-packed living room that sets the tone for an escalating maelstrom of physical comedy and absurdity. Everyday objects become deadly projectiles, and even a tree makes its way into the fray - it's mayhem, pure and simple! While some might find themselves weighed down by the heavy moral questions at stake, Relics ultimately delivers a sidesplitting spectacle that will leave you laughing out loud.
The performances are top-notch, with Phillips's initially understated Liv gradually unleashing her full fury on the family's hypocrisy. As the play hurtles towards its climactic showdown, even the most hardened hearts can't help but be moved by the sibling love and loathing that threatens to tear this family apart.
The show is on until 18th July at the Lyric Hammersmith, so don't miss your chance to join in the mayhem. While it's not streaming just yet, the theatrical run promises a thrilling experience that will leave you pondering the messy business of family secrets and historical accountability - long after the curtain falls.
Source: Lyric Hammersmith