‘a genuine and powerful piece of theatre that is both funny and heartbreaking’
Writer Victoria Oxley and director Megan Marie Griffith combine forces to take Manchester by storm with a genuine and powerful piece of theatre that is both funny and heartbreaking in the same breath as it is a lesson in survival and grief.
Maggie’s (Oxley) Nan is dead, her therapist (Emma Bishpam) is useless, and her sister (Bispham) is threatening to knock her out. Maggie? She’s still in her Nan’s house but with her Mum (Bispham) about to sell it, the walls are most definitely closing in. Yet, somewhere between the Blue Anchor pub and an Elkie Brookes record and a broken Alexa, she might just learn how she ended up here… and how to find a reason to stay.
Originally commissioned as part of Unity Theatre’s talent development programme and having recently premiered at Liverpool’s Royal Court, Oxley’s writing debut is honest, raw, and impossible to ignore, as she draws on her real-life relationship with her grandmother and her own work mentoring young people with mental health difficulties.
The set remains simple whilst allowing the characters to seamlessly move between scenes from the Nan’s front room via the therapist’s treatment room to the bar with its many guest karaoke appearances providing a perfect array of nostalgic musical themes from sound designer Serafin Dinges to support the unravelling action.
Oxley’s Maggie narrates, steps nonchalantly in and out of scenes, and comfortably breaks the fourth wall with a biting wit and brutal honesty that amuses as much as it appals yet remains captivating throughout this 75-minute piece which is no mean feat.
Bispham excels as Our Anne-Marie, Me Mum, and Rob the Therapist, as well as anyone else appearing on stage, moving with ease between characters with a slight adjustment in voice and posture reinforced by a simple change of prop, ensuring she is engaged and engaging throughout.
Together they combine with a synchronicity to their performance in movement and tone – which interestingly continued off-stage post-show – that embodied an effortless chemistry that has developed as a natural reflection of their on-stage relationships, and which is a joy to watch.
Whilst impressed when I saw the first scratch performance just over four years ago, I noted some rough edges, but these have been well and truly polished whilst still retaining the overall strength of the piece in its exploration of grief, sisterhood and survival.
Although partly due to the accomplished performances and direction evident tonight, it is also a testament to the quality of the writing which provides believable and engaging dialogue that comfortably balances its treatment of sensitive and difficult topics.
Oxley’s skill in segueing between heartfelt poignancy and despair through to light humour and laugh out loud moments, kept the audience engaged every step of the way through what are often challenging and uncomfortable themes in this important piece of theatre.
One Madam Productions is newly founded by Oxley and inspired by the love and guidance of her grandma. It aspires to make accessible theatre through its work with local communities. Find out more at https://www.instagram.com/onemadamproductions/
Girl Gang Manchester is a collective of artists, activists, academics and party instigators who create meaningful and magical live experiences, and have been connecting people in Manchester over debates, discussions and dance floors since 2016. Further details at https://girlgangmcr.com/
53two is a theatre and arts charity in the city centre of Manchester, providing creative output for all of Greater Manchester. Further information at https://www.53two.com/
Stayin’ Alive performs once more at 53two on 6th February at 7.30pm.
Review Date: 5th February 2026
Star Rating: FIVE