The latest production at Oran Mor in Glasgow, Cry Laugh, is a masterclass in balancing comedy with raw emotion. Written and performed by acclaimed playwright Sarah Jane, the one-person show delves into the complexities of grief and resilience, leaving audiences both in stitches and in tears.
A Story of Loss and Laughter
The narrative follows Fiona, a woman grappling with the sudden death of her mother. Rather than a somber elegy, the play uses sharp wit and physical comedy to explore her journey through mourning. Jane’s performance is a tour de force, shifting seamlessly from hilarious anecdotes about her mother’s eccentricities to moments of profound vulnerability.
Staging and Direction
Directed by Mark Thomson, the production makes clever use of minimal set design. A single armchair and a series of projected images evoke the cluttered family home, while lighting shifts underscore mood changes. The intimate setting of Oran Mor’s auditorium amplifies the emotional impact, making the audience feel like confidants in Fiona’s story.
Key Themes
- Grief and Humour: The play argues that laughter can coexist with sorrow, offering a cathartic release.
- Family Dynamics: Flashbacks reveal a complicated mother-daughter relationship, rich with love and frustration.
- Resilience: Fiona’s arc shows how confronting pain can lead to unexpected strength.
Performance Highlights
Jane’s physicality is particularly noteworthy. In one scene, she reenacts her mother’s chaotic attempts at baking, eliciting roars of laughter. Yet, a later monologue about the moment of death is delivered with such stillness that the audience holds its breath. The script is peppered with Scottish vernacular, grounding the story in its Glaswegian setting.
Audience Reaction
The opening night crowd responded with a standing ovation. Many were seen wiping tears during the final moments, where Fiona scatters her mother’s ashes to the tune of a cheesy pop song. It is a moment that encapsulates the show’s ethos: finding joy amidst sorrow.
Final Verdict
Cry Laugh is a triumph. It is a reminder that theatre can be both entertaining and deeply moving. Sarah Jane’s writing is honest, never veering into sentimentality, and her performance is nothing short of remarkable. This is a must-see for anyone who has ever loved and lost.
The show runs at Oran Mor until July 10. Tickets are available through the venue’s website.
