LOSING SUSAN

FRINGE REVIEW

Losing Susan

World premiere

The Spaces @ Royal College of Surgeons

Z Theatre Company

August 9^th -20^th 2009 £5.50

Reviewed by David Kerr

SUSAN is the mother of three lovely girls. One of them is sensible while the other two quarrel over a pair of 'lucky knickers'. Things though are not quite right with Susan. She seems to be distracted; as if tormented by unseen dancing demons. She forgets things. How many sugars does her husband take in his tea? Where did I put the ironing board?

When her husband or daughters draw attention to this she lashes out at them in frustration and anger. Sometimes though she seems to be her old self; laughing and chatting with the girls about a funny incident in the High Street with a neighbour. As they swap funny stories, Susan tells the same story again and later begins to tell it a third time. Everyone exchanges glances. Something has gone very wrong with Susan.

This is the background to this intensely moving story of a loving mum who unravels in the midst of her bewildered and helpless husband and daughters. Losing Susan brings home the effects of Alzheimer's on Susan and her family. A scene in which Susan goes missing draws out this sense of loss. They find their mum but have to admit that she is lost to them. This frightened, confused women has gradually replaced the mum they knew and loved. Powerful stuff! *****