Review: THE DRY HOUSE, Marylebone Theatre

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

Written by actor and dramatist Eugene O’Hare, The Dry House is a powerful play premiering at the Marylebone Theatre. 

The play explores the destructive impact grief and alcoholism can have on a family. We follow two sisters Chrissy and Claire over the course of a few hours as Chrissy has one final drink after promising her sister, she will finally go to the Dry House to get sober. Following the loss of her daughter, Heather, in a car crash 4 years prior, Chrissy’s relationship with alcohol has spiralled into addiction. 

The all-female cast features Kathy Kiera Clarke, of Derry Girls fame, as Claire, Mairead McKinley as Chrissy, and Carla Langley as the ghostly Heather. All three bring to life these damaged and troubled characters with nuance and sensitivity. A masterclass in naturalistic acting, it is a pleasure to watch Clarke in a more serious role. O’Hare uses monologues and a recurring scene of Heather’s final moments with her mother before her fatal accident. Through these devices, we are able to understand the honest feelings of the characters. One particularly poignant moment is when we learn the truth of Heather’s accident, a series of events symbolic of human fragility. 

The Dry House is certainly hard hitting and tackles the dark and complex nature of alcoholism head on, showing the physical and mental impact right from the start when a shaking Chrissy wakes up on the sofa. The set of Chrissy’s neglected living room is complete with a clothes horse piled high with dirty washing and alcohol empties strewn all over the floor. The play is full of symbolism and this room is where all 90-minutes of the play takes place. The set is boxed into the stage to reflect the trapping nature of addiction. The Dry House comes with multiple trigger warnings but there are also frequent moments of comedy which are necessary in such a dark and gritty piece. This was demonstrated when the play ended, and you could feel the audience collectively breathe out following an intense theatrical experience which felt bleak at times. 

The Dry House is a deeply dark and emotional piece of theatre, which is brutally honest about the devastating impact of alcoholism but also focuses on the strength of family and the hope and support loved ones can provide during times of need. The Dry House is powerful, timely and beautifully acted. 

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Sophie Luck

The Dry House plays at Marylebone Theatre until 6 May, with further information here.