Charlotte Jones (2) (1968–)

A play about science, this one about entomology. A bee keeper dies, and his son, a theoretical astrophysicist, returns home for his funeral. This brings him into direct conflict with his mother, who has seized the opportunity to get rid of the bees, and who is having an affair with a local businessman. Mostly a decent play about the difficulties of human relationships. The only truly likable character in the play is the gardener, a mysterious man who arrives and departs at strategic times in the play, and is part of a twist in the ending. The author should have checked her scientific facts a little more closely, however, as entomologists are not likely to spread the misinformation that a bee is aerodynamically unable to fly. I particularly enjoyed the ending scene in the garden, where botany takes the lead for a few minutes, an unusual foray into the world of scientific nomenclature, and a treat for a plant taxonomist.… (lisätietoja)

This British play is a compelling family drama about what happens after James Humble dies in his garden, leaving his astro-physicist son, Felix; his demanding, imperious widow, Flora; and her bumbling, drunken and besotted long-time lover, George Pye, to battle over what they need from each other. George’s daughter, Rosie, Felix’s once-jilted lover, is also around – the cool-headed one of the bunch.

There are a lot of complexities, twists, anger, hurt feelings, and pure humor in Humble Boy. Rosie may sum up the theme of the play the best: “Time doesn’t heal, but it accommodates.”… (lisätietoja)