Run Sister Run at Arcola Theatre Review
Run Sister Run at Arcola Theatre. Photo by Marc Brenner
Written by Bronagh for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Content warnings: Depictions of self-harm. References to: Addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence. growing up in the care system
Run Sister Run explores the tense relationship between Connie (Jo Herbert) and Ursula (Kelly Gough), two sisters who grew up in Ireland. Their upbringing was difficult, as they were raised in the care system and lacked a traditional family dynamic. They say blood is thicker than water, and Run Sister Run does a great job showing this. There may be some ambiguity in the sisters' relationship, but also unconditional love and connection.
We meet Jo and her husband Adrian (Theo Fraser Steele) on what looks like an ordinary Friday night. Their son Jack (Charlie Beaven) comes home in an almighty strop, before breaking some shocking news to his parents. We then go backwards in time, to when Jack is nine years old and meeting his ‘Aunt’ Ursula, to Ursula’s pregnancy, to her hitting rock bottom, and her childhood. Although Ursula has developed more illicit coping mechanisms than her sister and appears less stable, it soon becomes apparent that both sisters have their demons.
Overall, Run Sister Run is a very strong production, and a testament to Chloë Moss’ writing talents. Kelly Gough in particular shows what a powerhouse of a performer she is, evoking every type of emotion under the sun. Jo Herbert is equally wonderful, appearing more stable than her sister, a more calming presence on the stage. The pair are believable as sisters throughout the show, Connie taking on the nurturing role, particularly when it’s her turn to move out of foster care.
Charlie Beavan has the task of playing Jack as a stroppy teenager and also a sweet nine-year-old, both done very effectively. The last of our quartet is Adrian, a smug and rather irritating character. At first, he seems like your typical ‘rich white male’ parody, but you soon realise this is the character. He is the polar opposite to the two sisters, never displaying true emotion, development or tenderness at all. This isn’t Theo Fraser Steele’s fault at all, he is simply playing a character.
The set (designed by Tomás Palmer) for Run Sister Run is simply done, with a narrow mirror running across the stage where we can only see the characters’ faces. There are buckets of flowers scattered around, which are turned into seats after the flowers and petals are dramatically thrown and strewn across the stage. The characters’ outfit changes also come from inside the tubs, clothes scrunched up and pulled out, allowing for quick changes. The simplicity works, and the strewn flowers look rather beautiful under the lighting.
Run Sister Run explores some very difficult topics and complexities, done with conviction thanks to a talented cast and creative team. Our two female leads are outstanding in every way, commanding the small theatre space. Telling the story in reverse is a great twist, keeping the audience on their toes throughout whilst the complexities play out in front of our eyes. This is certainly one to try and get tickets to, before it inevitably sells out.
Run Sister Runs plays at the Arcola Theatre until 26th July 2025
★★★★
