Tim Firth’s musical continues to play in London until the 12th July.
WhatsOnStage: *** “There are some very pleasing internal rhymes – “Tent instructions if your name is Steve/Are that you believe there are no instructions.” But Firth seems to largely do away with rhyming and it’s surprisingly refreshing. Sure, you’re less likely to leave humming the same two sentences all the way home, but it frees the script, and some might argue it’s a relief not having an earworm for a week.”
Theatre Weekly: *** “The story wanders a little in both halves, but Featherstone’s direction keeps everything on track and doesn’t lose sight of the emotional core. This Is My Family is not a flashy musical—it doesn’t need to be. It’s a tender, truthful piece that finds the extraordinary in the everyday. At times it’s reminiscent of Fun Home, and Firth’s musical reminds us that sometimes, it’s not how far you travel, but who you take with you on the journey.”
West End Best Friend: *** “It’s tender, funny in places, and gently reflective. It won’t blow anyone away, but for those who see their own complicated, lovable mess of a family in these characters, there’s plenty to hold onto. Not perfect, not polished, but honest, and sometimes, that’s enough.”
Musical Theatre Review: **** “The emotional truth of the cast keeps the show on the road, however, with director Vicky Featherstone eliciting a believable sense of family connection.”
Theatre & Tonic: **** “Although the idea of a story about a dysfunctional family is not a new one, This is My Family gives a fresh and original take on it. It could perhaps do with losing around ten minutes from its running time but it is a great evening’s entertainment. The strong cast, excellent direction and design and Firth’s funny and relatable script make this a delightful family to spend a couple of hours with.”
The Reviews Hub: **** “This is My Family will make you smile, laugh, and think. While a lot has changed in 12 years, this musical has a relatable, universal draw that will undoubtedly have wide appeal and delight many audiences.”
The Stage: *** “Laugh-along musical about intergenerational acceptance and the everyday trials of a classic nuclear family.”
The Arts Desk: *** “Relatable or stereotyped – that’s for you to decide.”
ReviewsGate.co.uk: **** “This a show that knows what is and director Featherstone has given it exactly the pace it needs. The set for the first half as a sort of doll’s house family kitchen that in Act two, when we move to that holiday resort, is swept away and something unexpected is revealed. I suppose you could say they end up singing in the rain – and resolving things as well because happy families can be a little less happy than they seem. A treat of a show.”
Broadway World: **** “Like Tim Firth’s other works, This Is My Family makes the ordinary extraordinary while carrying a raw truthfulness. It may not one hundred percent work as a musical in my opinion, but it’s still a funny, relatable yet bittersweet show with a stellar cast.”
Theatre Vibe: “Directed by Vicky Featherstone, the production has all the right ingredients. Unfortunately, this is where the problems begin. The Playhouse Elephant is a modern, small theatre, but the music often overwhelms the dialogue. Act One offers some amusing and witty moments for each cast member.”
London Theatre 1: *** “This Is My Family is a slightly dated look at a family who have the kind of interaction that most of us can relate to. Dad has a steady-ish job, Mum is a homemaker, Nicky tells a fib or two (what 13-year-old doesn’t), and Matt has the existential problems all teenagers have at one time or another – it’s all very English. However, in these troubled times, maybe that’s what audiences are looking for – only time and ticket sales will tell. So if you want to see a show that’s all hygge and hugs, then This Is My Family is probably right up your middle-class, English street.”
The Spy in the Stalls: ** 1/2 “Firstly, and truly, one is reminded that good actors are wonderful artists. The cast, across the board, is excellent, reaffirming their ability to shape and invigorate otherwise middling writing. Allsop as Nicky is particularly charming, eminently watchable and sweet, and with a delightful voice. Whelan is also a standout as Nicky’s deeply frustrated mother, Yvonne.”
To book tickets visit: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/this-is-my-family/