The Southbury Child review - Parish tensions to the fore in dark comedy at Harborough Theatre

A child’s death unites a community in anger when the family wants balloons at the funeral and the vicar refuses.

That is the crux of The Southbury Child. Written by Stephen Beresford, this dark comedy cleverly draws out weaknesses within the priest’s family through the plight of those bereaved.

The play was directed by Nadine Beasley, who unexpectedly and very successfully became part of the nine-strong cast, who represent a collection of complicated characters.

Caitlin Mottram and Tom Mackenzie were remarkable as Mary and the Rev David Highland – she the busy and wearied wife; he the obstinate priest presiding over a failing church.

Taylor Southbury’s death from leukaemia brought his parish together and at the same time ripped it apart because the community sided with her mother and against the vicar over the funeral plans.

Ruth Fowler and Dan Masters played Tina and Lee Southbury, the child’s mother and uncle from the less affluent part of town. Their anger and disillusion was palpable, though some of the lines addressed upstage were unfortunately lost.

Nisha Vegad and Ella Keal were superbly contrasting as the Highlands’ daughters, rebellious Naomi and conventional Mary.

Jez Morris as Craig the Scottish curate brought convincing priest-like hope for everyone and Catherine Deering’s dry delivery as PC Joy Sampson maximised a small part.

Nadine Beasley deserves credit for stepping in at short notice to take the role of irritating parishioner Janet Oram, and for her sensitive directing of an excellent script.

The play runs until Saturday November 7. Visit harboroughtheatre.com or call (01858) 463673 for details of future productions.