⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A powerful, heartfelt triumph by Smiling Eyes Theatre
From the moment we take our seats in the theatre, with the sounds of ABBA’s ‘Take a Chance on Me’ and Sonny and Cher’s ‘I Got You Babe’ filling the air, we are transported into the world of Honest Lies. Written by Jenny Stokes and Dawn Butler, and masterfully directed by Alison Belbin, this production is a rich tapestry of love, loss, motherhood, and resilience set in Birmingham, both in the 1970s and the present day.
We first meet Marion, played with remarkable depth by Jenny Stokes, as she sits reminiscing over old photographs. It’s been five years since she said goodbye to her husband Geoff, and as she reflects, we are seamlessly transported back to her wedding day on 7th August, 1975. A young Geoff (Nicholas Baker) takes to the stage, strumming ‘I Saw Her Standing There’, and instantly, we are wrapped in nostalgia. The soundtrack throughout this production is not only evocative but serves as an emotional guide through Marion’s journey. I often relate parts of my own life to music that mattered at those times, so I think this is very cleverly done.
As we delve deeper into Marion’s past, we see her struggle with early motherhood – the birth that doesn’t go to plan, exhaustion, isolation, and postnatal depression. The depiction of these raw emotions, particularly in moments where Marion describes her inability to breastfeed baby April, will strike a chord with many in the audience. Stokes’ performance is unflinching and honest, a testament to the power of storytelling in theatre.
Fast forward to the present-day, and we meet April (Dawn Butler), now in her 40s and navigating her own life’s challenges, including raising her son Ollie after a split with husband Nick. The dynamic between Marion and April is beautifully layered – there’s warmth, humour, and a tangible tension as old wounds are reopened. A particularly hilarious moment arises when Marion describes her yoga lessons with Sheila, including the unforgettable ‘Morning Glory’ pose – a moment that had the audience roaring with laughter and a discussion about the tortoise that disappeared one day, that went on an adventure to Drayton Manor to have a go on the fast rides. I did chuckle, and I plan to use this when my own daughters’ guinea pigs reach the end of their lives.
But it’s April’s revelation that shakes the foundation of their already fragile relationship. Someone has reached out to her on Facebook. Someone neither of them expected. What follows is a deeply moving account of Marion’s hidden past, a past shaped by mental health struggles, and the unpredictability of life. “Life’s never what you expect it to be. Sometimes better, sometimes worse, often unpredictable,” Marion reflects – a line that lingers long after the curtain falls.
Victoria Tew’s portrayal of young Marion is equally compelling, adding depth to our understanding of the character’s evolution. A fire in her belly as an actress and a star in her own right. Nicholas Baker’s Geoff brings charm and musicality, his performance both endearing and heartbreaking. A talented actor and musician.
Despite its heavy themes, Honest Lies is not without its light-hearted moments. There’s laughter, warmth, and an undeniable Brummie charm that makes it feel authentic and grounded. The script is sharp, the pacing immaculate, and the balance between humour and emotion is expertly struck.
By the end of the show, as the lights dim and the final notes fade, I found myself blinking away tears. This is theatre at its finest – honest, raw, and deeply human. Honest Lies is not just a play; it’s an experience, a beautifully written, impeccably acted triumph that deserves to be seen.
For anyone who has ever navigated the complexities of family, mental health, or simply life itself, this production will stay with you long after you leave the theatre. Bravo to Smiling Eyes Theatre for bringing such a powerful story to life.
You can see the production at the following places;
Lichfield Garrick – 22nd Feb – https://www.lichfieldgarrick.com/book/instance/543002 There will be a Q & A after this performance. It will also be BSL Interpreted.
Gatis Community Space – 25th Feb – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/honest-lies-at-gatis-community-space-smiling-eyes-theatre-tickets
A’Aina Community Hub – 26th Feb – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/honest-lies-at-aaina-community-hub
Gatehouse Theatre, Met Studio – 1st Mar – https://www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/honest-lies/#schedules
Dorothy Parkes Centre – 3rd Mar – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/honest-lies-at-dorothy-parkes-smiling-eyes-theatre
The Albany Theatre – 7th March – https://www.albanytheatre.co.uk/shows/honest-lies/
Everyman Theatre Cheltenham – 8th March – https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/honest-lies/
Moseley Hive – 10th March – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/honest-lies-at-moseley-hive-smiling-eyes-theatre-tickets-1247200292649 (pay what you can)
Old Joint Stock – 12th March – https://old-joint-stock-theatre.designmynight.com/6738b146e58c3d244e6ca2d2/honest-lies
Gazebo Theatre – 14th March – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/gazebotheatre/honest-lies/2025-03-14/
Quatt Village Hall – 15th March – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/shropshire/quatt-village-hall/honest-lies/2025-03-15/
Disclaimer: I was invited along to the press opening of this production, but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.