EVERYMAN THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 14TH MARCH 2026
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
4****
I entered the press night of The Memory of Water on Thursday evening with only a vague sense of what to anticipate. However, in the weeks leading up to the performance, I consistently received glowing reviews, which left me feeling quietly optimistic. I’m thrilled to report that this Olivier Award-winning comedy exceeded all expectations and truly deserved the acclaim.
Set in the winter of 1996, this play tells the story of three distinct sisters who return to their mother’s house for her funeral. From the very beginning, Shelagh Stephenson’s writing beautifully marries sharp humour with heartfelt emotional resonance. What starts as a typical family gathering unfolds into a deeper, more enlightening experience. As the sisters go through their late mother’s possessions, they find that their childhood memories don’t exactly match up, leading to passionate debates that cleverly show how personal and varied memory can be.
Under the caring direction of Lotte Wakeman, the production feels warm, genuine, and vibrantly engaging. Wakeman allows the comedy to shine through while keeping a strong focus on the play’s emotional heart. The outcome is a touching, humorous, and cleverly insightful look at how real families interact when faced with grief, unresolved feelings, and hidden tensions.
The cast truly deserves high praise. Victoria Brazier shines as the eldest sister, Teresa—she portrays her as practical, a bit bossy, and subtly resentful after years of managing the family business and taking care of their mother. Brazier brings a strong but relatable presence to the role, allowing moments of vulnerability to peek through beautifully.
Polly Lister delivers a nuanced and captivating performance as Mary, the middle sister. As a successful doctor managing a complicated personal life, she skillfully portrays both her polished public persona and the emotional turmoil beneath the surface. Her scenes are especially engaging, particularly during her interactions with the ghost of their mother.
Vicky Binns does an exceptional job as Vi, the mother who has recently passed away. Instead of portraying her as soft and nurturing, Binns chooses to depict Vi as a complex and demanding figure — a woman longing to be understood, even after death. This choice adds depth and emotional richness to the story.
Helen Flanagan truly shines as the youngest sister, Catherine. She captures the perfect blend of neurotic energy, insecurity, and a humorous desire for attention. Her comic timing is spot on, bringing many of the evening’s biggest laughs.
What truly enhances this production is the wonderful harmony among the cast. They interact with one another with impressive skill, their timing is sharp, and their emotional exchanges feel completely genuine. The arguments resonate authentically, the humour lands effortlessly, and the quieter moments hold significant depth. This is a brilliant example of how strong writing and outstanding performances can come together to create something deeply moving.
Overall, The Memory of Water is a heartfelt, keenly observed, and highly entertaining piece of theatre that beautifully reflects the complexities of family life. Press night demonstrated that this production is both emotionally impactful and thoroughly enjoyable — a thoughtful comedy that leaves a lasting impression long after the curtain falls.