Union Theatre – 20th May 2026
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
3***
Kelly Thurston’s hard hitting but darkly funny one act play is an impressive 45 minutes that could be a wonderfully nuanced and provocative 90 minutes with further development.
The beanbags of the title function as symbols of comfort to the sisters Em (Helen Elizabeth Baird) and Becs (Bryony Davies) as they grow up and deal with their parents’ and their own relationship breakdowns. The lighting effects between scenes is slightly jarring but this may be a deliberate choice by director Emma Chatel as the characters’ lives are disrupted. Different colour beanbags are used to signal timelines as the narrative jumps between childhood memories of their mum (Emily O’Mahony) trying to get things done while dealing with her parents and their dad (Jacob Kay), always ready to deflect tension or serious talk with games and nonsense, and their adult lives.
The sisters are helping their mum pack up her house as she moves into a new flat after splitting from her boyfriend. Clearing out familiar things leads to talk about mental health and regrets about not being there for each other. Thurston captures the easy jibes and back and forth of sisterly conversations, and the love between the women shines through without becoming melodramatic. Becs has most of the best lines, and Bryony Davies delivers them with a natural charm. Flashbacks reveal Em’s mental health issues and the horrible reason why she is suffering. The effect on Em’s next relationship with Tom (Charlie Jennings) – not a good choice, but she can see that even with everything she is going through – is portrayed very clearly and succinctly, with a powerful scene where Em finally lets Tom know how she truly feels wonderfully written and devastatingly performed by Helen Elizabeth Baird.
It gets a little metaphysical – but in a very Northern way – as Em has conversations with her dead dad while searching for a last bit of tat in the attic, but the serious issues of life, death, moving on and dealing with trauma are handled with a deft touch, brilliant one liners and a dodgy Facebook marketplace transaction. The play ends on a tender note as mum tries to picture her life without the house in it, emphasising the comfort and memories of places and people we carry with us and hold tight to through our lives.
Beanbags is an enjoyable and emotional play. A longer runtime would allow further unpicking of themes and ideas that are skimmed over this one act production, providing more backstory and more sisterly banter/therapy about the serious issues dealt with in the play. Here’s hoping talented writer Kelly Thurston has the chance to give these relatable and spirited sisters even more warm and witty heart to hearts.
Off Main Stage ‘s Union Shorts One Act Festival continues until 29th May. Listings and tickets available here: https://uniontheatre.biz/whats-on/