Review: The House of Mirrors and Hearts

This show begins with a deliciously melancholic and dissonantly thrilling trio, setting an air of mystery that is a central atmosphere of the piece. The story tells of a dysfunctional family: a mother and her two daughters, rendered thus after the death of the husband/father.

Into this domestic situation comes a young, earnest student, Nathan, attractive to both Anna (the Mother) and Lily (youngest daughter); but he is only attracted to the quietest of them all - Laura.

Together, they find out about each other's dreams and hopes with a beautiful ‘little bird' theme built around Laura as we learn of her love of finding beauty in things that are broken.

The plot of the show could do with some attention, as could the direction and staging; but as a work in progress, the score here is outstanding. Once lyrics and book are brought up to the same standard, this will be a beautiful small-cast show.

Aside from the beautiful singing, there are some genuinely heartfelt moments in the performances from this tight ensemble make it worthwhile staying up so late!

19/08/2010