REVIEW: The Finding Mum Project at South Hill Park

I’d like to admit that I’m not the most emotional person normally, but during this original and poignant play, written by Keir Buist and directed jointly by him, and Ellie Notley, there were indeed moments when I may have had to wipe away something in my eye.

Performed in the snug, but well utilised confines of South Hill Park’s Studio Theatre, with a basic set enhanced by the creative theatrical imagination of the directors and actors, this highly competent three-hander had Aaliya Bhatti, portraying with conviction and confidence, Yas, a young, troubled schoolgirl looking with hope and determination for her missing mum and facing up to the trails and tribulation of such a personal search.

She is aided in places and dissuaded in others, by her brother, her teachers, the school-bully and her best friend, Benji, and supporting characters all brought to life by the versatile Suzy Bhatti and Max Field, switching between personas and sentiments with ease.

Keir Buist's ability to write from the heart with a real sense of realism and an understanding of the situation and vulnerability of the characters, gives this one act play a truthfulness that draws the audience in and along with Ellie Notley’s subtle and self-assured direction, plays their heartstrings like seasoned maestros.

This was yet another high-end production from the Bracknell based Three Dot Theatre, to add to their ever-expanding portfolio of thought provoking, professionally produced and thoroughly entertaining theatre productions.

I for one am eagerly looking forward to their next project.