‘This beautiful production is a deeply moving, and emotional insight into the realities of adoption’
Holding gravitas throughout this one woman show, Paislie Reid commands the stage and delivers a stunning performance as ‘Mat’. Engaging in her storytelling, she provokes plenty of laughter with her natural weaving of comedic observations landing with scouse humour, to tear inducing poignant moments, revealing her depth, and deep pain.
Just over 70 minutes in length, this powerful new play, written by Julia Cranney, draws you in and captures the imagination as we’re given an insight into the adoption process. Its causes and effects for those navigating the system, which feels, as Mat states, like “training for a marathon”.
Mat talks us through the development of her relationship with partner James and his daughter Grace; the growing security and family life sparking the decision to have a baby. Being a mum was something she never envisaged for herself, a decision clarified by her own childhood, which is blurred by its adversity. When the couple are unable to conceive naturally, they explore other options including the adoption process.
Breaking the fourth wall, Reid holds the audience in the palm of her hand; under the direction of Kate Treadell, all the right elements are pulled together to deliver a piece of theatre which is enlightening and informative.
The tiring impact of the home study process, the assessments, tests, courts, and paperwork are described by Mat, as we start to see her unravelling under this heavy administrative weight, far away from the happy go lucky single girl who we first meet.
The frequent flurries of ripped up paper scattered throughout the staging and intermittently raining down over Mat is perhaps symbolic of the administrative burden, which accumulates in a breathtaking scene, as the paper literally fans around her like confetti.
The production evokes strong feelings of empathy, the portrayal of grief is amplified by the one poignant pause in dialogue from fast talking Mat, who’s world has been turned upside down.
The square footprint of Mat’s living room is framed by a slightly higher level which supports the storytelling nicely, taking us seamlessly to the various settings of Mat’s narrative. The story is interspersed with lighting with disrupts the mood as well as interference soundscapes which helps shift the tone as the action unfolds.
Developed alongside adoptive families in Merseyside, this is an honest, and sensitive portrayal of the complexities of a process which is torn between systemic logic and the hearts and lives of potential parents. Dreams of providing a loving home are easily shattered into unbearable grief, as the final bits of paperwork are brutally ripped away.
Running until 13th June 2026, further details and booking https://everymanplayhouse.com/event/attachment/
Review date: 8th June 2026
Star Rating: FIVE