by Anna Kennedy OBE
I was invited to Press Night to see ‘All in a Row’ at Southwark Theatre London.
Watching the play this time in the theatre my thoughts were slightly different from watching the Tech Rehearsal a couple of weeks ago.
I do feel after watching it again that Hugh Purves the puppeteer could have actually been Lawrence without the puppet.
I did speak to Hugh and he said he would think about this for future plays.
Charlie Brooks was magnificent as the mother she gives 100 per cent.
I am also 100 per cent convinced that no child could play the part of Laurence in this play since in my opinion it is far too intense because of the actions and subject matter.
The storyline is powerful with some welcomed light relief. The real message here is how parents are ignored when it comes to their child’s support needs.
It takes a crisis for the Local Authority to start acknowledging what Lawrence’s needs are.
With the correct support early on he may not have needed a residential placement.
This play is thought provoking!
