It Runs in the Family at The Mill, Sonning Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn
Ray Cooney’s superbly scripted comedy play, It Runs in the Family is now raising the roof at the wonderful Mill at Sonning Theatre which is now celebrating more than 40 years of wonderful entertainment. Uniquely, all productions at this most special picture perfect venue are created here from start to finish and it is my favourite theatre.
Being the UK’s only dinner theatre, all tickets include a complementary two-course meal in the delightful restaurant before the show. Welcoming a new era of dining at The Mill and starting just this month for It Runs in the Family, the usual buffet style service is now a table dining service, as part of the theatre’s commitment to elevating the customer experience. For us, this is a most welcome transition and it certainly makes for a more extra special, exclusive experience.
Set in a hospital, it is three days before Christmas and renowned neurologist, Doctor David Mortimore, is preparing to deliver the lecture of his lifetime, a speech which he hopes will earn him a knighthood. Unfortunately, for the good doctor, the timing couldn’t be any worse, for in comes Jane Tate, an old flame and ex nurse, accompanied by his son, Leslie – who Mortimer never knew existed! Doctor Mortimer hasn’t quite yet digested this shocking news when he learns that Leslie is now in the hospital reception, eager to meet him but unfortunately in a rather unstable condition – and so the comedy mayhem starts – true farce at its finest!
Ably directed by Ron Aldridge, the show’s prescription is for many, many of the usual Ray Cooney’s mixed up communications, priceless mishaps and subterfuge. The Mill has such an intimate auditorium and the wrap around seating makes you feel you’re in amongst the improbable action and a part of the story telling. It also really helps that the audience are in on the doctor’s secrets and lies, all great fun!
With outstanding performances all round from the very talented and tightly knit cast, who really throw themselves into this whirlwind of a story with great enthusiasm and superb comic timing – and evidently also having great fun in doing so! With a gale force pace, the very clever word play reveals the cast’s tremendous verbal dexterity and versatility. Stephen Pinder is brilliantly cast as the eminent Dr Mortimore, playing for laughs galore as his character gets more and more caught up in his lies and things spiral out of control.
Alex Marker’s set itself also superbly supports the many terrifically executed funny moments and the tension seems heightened with all the action taking place in a doctor’s common room within the hospital.
Wonderfully entertaining, It Runs in the Family is guaranteed to tickle your funny bones from start to finish! The show is the perfect prescription for a feel-good evening of superb comedy gold!
Rating: 4/5
It Runs in the Family is at The Mill at Sonning and runs from 13th February – 12th April 2025.
ALL TICKETS INCLUDE A DELICIOUS TWO-COURSE MEAL IN THE RESTAURANT BEFORE THE SHOW.
For more information or to book tickets, visit millatsonning.com