Anna Burnside reviews a production with strong performances but loses its way in the end.
It’s proud Ulsterwoman Eileen’s 90th birthday and three generations of her family have gathered to celebrate. They do this in the way of all the best family parties: swearing, rehashing ancient history and reviving decades-old arguments.
Present and correct are her gluten-free planet-hugging great-granddaughter, the grand-daughter who left and the hard-done-to daughter who she now lives with in a state of mutually assured disdain.
Of course, it all goes horribly wrong as issues pile upon issues and Ian Paisley in a party hat pulls some new skeletons out of the family closet.
The performances are strong: petulant, pained, unhinged as required.
But when the already dark comedy gets even darker, it loses its way. For three quarters of the show, it’s an effective and very funny exploration of inter-generational trauma. It’s a shame it overheats at the end.
Consumed performs at the Traverse Theatre (Traverse One) until August 24, 2025. For performance times and details, go to the company’s website.
Photo by Pamela Raith.
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