Network Theatre, London – until 24th February 2023
Reviewed by Mitzi Luck
4****
The Wedding Speech written by Cheryl May Coward-Walker is a powerful play that takes its audience on a journey that feels at times humorous, and at other times painful. The writer gets the balance between the two so relatable to real life, as the character teeters between finding forgiveness and joy from within a broken relationship with her mother and self-destruction and anger. Rosemary is played by Princess Donnough and is our sole performer. We see everything through her eyes and her reactions to speaking to the guests through the door.
We are taken into Rosemary’s confidences in the middle of her mother’s wedding. She has just nipped into the toilets to make the final preparations to her speech for her mother’s wedding and she speaks directly to us. She lets us know pretty quickly that things are not at all straightforward between the pair, but she is carefully light-hearted to begin with. What should she say at a happy occasion that can carefully unmask the unhappiness within their bond? Rosemary is dynamic, witty and fun – she is just the type of person you want to get to know.
The play twists and turns as we see just how damaged the relationship with her mother is and exactly how far Rosemary feels pushed into acting in a way that she doesn’t fully understand. It is seeing Rosemary in her most intimate moments, away from the guests, fully aware that she doesn’t know if she’s making the right decisions that feels the most powerful to me. Princess Donnough’s acting is so engaging and makes it is hard not to want to offer comfort to the character as she struggles with her own inner demons alone.
This play leaves the audience thoughtful about the issues raised. It is so exposing of many issues that are often hidden within families that it feels raw and emotional, but there is comfort in the relatability and the friendship created between Rosemary, played by Princess Donnough, and the audience. I highly recommend seeing this play while you have the chance.