After a stint in a mental institution, Michael (David Harbour) finds himself the primary caregiver for his thoroughly dislikable, terminally ill father Daniel (Bill Pullman). This dark comedy from US playwright Theresa Rebeck explores the dysfunctional family dynamics as the ailing yet no less tyrannical Daniel rejects his failing health as his three children navigate their own fractured relationships with each other, writes Rosie O’Connell.
The first half is particularly cut-throat in its humour, with Daniel making inappropriate, politically incorrect, Trump-like comments, much to the horror of Michael who works hard to not let his father’s behaviour rile him up. The arrival of hospice care nurse Lillian (Akiya Henry) signals some hope for the pair but with the return of Michael’s brother Nedward (Stephen Wight) followed by the truly abhorrent sister Pam (Sinéad Matthews) things start to go downhill. The second half takes a much more serious tone that feels quite different from the first, with Daniel off-stage and far less humour, the plot shifts toward sibling drama regarding inheritance.
It is unclear what Mad House is actually trying to say though. It seems that by attempting to do so much, the depth necessary to truly engage and understand these characters’ motivations is lost somewhere along the line. That’s not to say that there aren’t moments that provide insight, particularly in affectionate moments between Michael and Lillian or where we see the adult siblings regress into childhood squabbles about who is sleeping where. Overall, Harbour brings a towering performance (literally and metaphorically) as the most robust, captivating character in the story matching Pullman’s unpleasantness and callousness as Daniel throw for throw.
Ultimately, the narrative lands in an ethically dubious area with an uneasy, abrupt conclusion without really reaching resolution or satisfying payoff. The performances all around are impressive, though, and more than enough to pull the audience through to the end.
Ambassadors Theatre, West St, WC2H 9ND until 4th Sept. Admission: From £25.
Booking: 0333 009 6690 – https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/ambassadors-theatre/