Review: THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA, Harold Pinter Theatre

Photo credit: Mark Douet

Set in Blackpool during the roasting hot summer of 1976, Jez Butterworth’s The Hills of California, directed by Sam Mendes, centres on a quartet of adult sisters, three of whom are gathered in their family guest house ‘Seaview’ (with no sea view), to say goodbye to their dying mother.

We’re taken on a nostalgia packed trip down memory lane (black magic, jukeboxes, and Nat King Cole feature heavily) as the story shifts between the 70s and the 50s when the girls’ formidable single mum, Veronica (convincingly played by Laura Donnelly), takes her ambition for the girls to be the next big thing very seriously, resulting in some disturbing choices. As the perfectly paced play unfolds, we get to observe the impact of those choices on each of the sisters as adults, whilst discovering why the elusive fourth sister Ruth is yet to visit.

Despite The Hills of California being a 3-hour show with some heavy themes, it manages to retain some levity, with humour being the highlight of the play. The Northern banter and sarcasm are brilliantly executed, and there are some punchy one-liners layered with a bubbling wit throughout. Exploring relationships, family dynamics, and the oft-differing versions of the same memory, the ensemble cast are truly captivating, with the embittered Gloria (Leanne Best) bouncing beautifully off the sarcastic Ruby (Ophelia Lovibond) and the repressed Jill (Helena Wilson); they are all individually and collectively exceptional.

The flashback scenes of the four performing together as children are wonderful, with Allsop, Ally, McDonnell and Turner capturing the hierarchical sibling relationship dynamics perfectly, with the playful dialogue between them acutely relatable.

Rob Howell’s set design really captures the essence of seaside guest house with winding staircases up to the bedrooms, and a rotating stage alternating between the front public parlour and the private kitchen, as we switch between the decades. With numerous references to Winter Gardens, the pier and the Big Dipper, those of us who spent our youth on the Golden Mile are rewarded with numerous Blackpool nuggets.

The play is so impactful due to the exquisite focus on the detail, which therefore makes the contrived final piece of the storyline feel a bit twee. Happily, this does not take away from the total joy that this nostalgic walk through fractured family life brings us.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Cara Brazier

The Hills of California plays at the Harold Pinter Theatre until 15 June, with tickets available here.