Guest review by April Nash
If you think a middle-aged woman forming a punk band inspired by Alan Partridge's put-upon assistant, Lynn Benfield, sounds like a bizarre concept for a play, I’m here to tell you it definitely is. But surprisingly, it absolutely works.
On the eve of her 40th birthday, Leah, reeling from a painful breakup, forms a punk band with two available friends, despite their limited musical abilities. While the band's formation appears to stem from a drunken impulse and a lost deposit, the play skilfully uses this absurd premise to reveal the toxicity of Leah's past relationship. We watch the action unfold in real time as Leah is forced to confront the reality of the relationship, and the fact that they probably should have rehearsed more. We’re also left to wonder if the "drummer," Joy (played by the writer, Laura Horton), will ever actually appear.
Winner of the Birds of Paradise Exceptional Theatre Award at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, this funny, farcical, and touching play is written by multi-award-winning writer Laura Horton (following her Fringe First-winning show, "Breathless") and co-commissioned by Norwich Theatre, New Diorama Theatre, and Theatre Royal Plymouth.
The play opened with the cast wearing Lynn Benfield masks, a clever and silly touch that immediately set the tone. While familiarity with the source material might add another layer of enjoyment - I'll admit, I've never seen any Alan Partridge - but the sharp writing and the relatable dynamics of the ragtag band (including their absentee drummer) drew me in, and I always felt in on the jokes.
Madeleine MacMahon delivered a tour-de-force performance as Leah, capturing the character's vulnerability and her struggle to navigate between breakdown and breakthrough. Her final monologue was particularly powerful.
Peyvand Sadeghian provides a perfect foil as Ali, the long-time friend who offers both support and tough love, her exasperation with Leah's relationship woes palpable. Millie Faraway, in a marvellous professional debut, shines as Shonagh, the optimistic young teacher, bringing excellent comedic delivery and a surprising recorder solo to the proceedings.
The short, funny punk songs, alluding to Alan Partridge in some way, feel authentic to the show's quirk and style "Snazzy Cardigan" (parts one and two) might just become my new personal anthem.
With a giant crochet cow, snazzy cardigans, a LOT of swearing, and outlandish songs, Lynn Faces is a hilariously chaotic and poignant exploration of toxic relationships, friendship, and the healing power of punk. It continues at Norwich Theatre Stage Two until 1st of Feb.
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