The Children review – Meera Syal and co go nuclear in poignant drama

Lyric Hammersmith, LondonA catastrophic explosion forces retired nuclear engineers Syal and Declan Conlon to confront their past after a visit by Kerry Fox in this revival of Lucy Kirkwood’s debutTen years on from its powerful debut, Lucy Kirkwood’s clever and funny play feels just as potent – if not more so. There’s so much to admire and enjoy here: Kirkwood’s skilful and layered writing; Rachel O’Riordan’s precise and thoughtful direction; Gary McCann’s striking design and, above all, a trio of richly nuanced performances from three brilliant older actors: Meera Syal, Declan Conlon and Kerry Fox. For all the ideas about the legacy we leave behind for our children, I found myself reflecting on how much we still overlook our elders, and what a terrible failing and waste that is.O’Riordan’s softly rumbling production unfolds sometime in the near future (although that supposed future feels horribly close these days). There has been a catastrophic explosion at a nuclear power plant. Exclusion zones have been established and lives redrawn. Husband and wife, Robin and Hazel (who are both nuclear engineers), have retired to a nearby crumbling cottage. When old friend and fellow engineer, Rose, turns up unannounced – determined to lure them back to work at the power plant – all three are forced to confront painful mistakes from their past and think deeply about their futures.At Lyric Hammersmith, London, until 3 October. Continue reading...