This is a dark comedy about masking, grieving, and the challenges faced in families where undiagnosed autism can play a large part in any dysfunctions, writes Linda Emmanuel.
The play opens with a coffin in a living room. Enter grieving Celia (played by Laura Fitzpatric). It is a solemn affair when suddenly an Iron Maiden track blasts loudly, breaking the sombre atmosphere. Emotionless, Amy (Emma Riches) enters wearing her Iron Maiden T-shirt, jeans, and platform boots.
Celia, who questions her own ability as a good mother, is tense in Amy’s presence. She wishes Amy would at least show some feeling, considering the funeral is about to happen. Amy is equally frustrated by her mother, who neither accepts nor understands that she has never felt normal. She is not placated by her mother’s false assurances that there’s nothing wrong with her and that there’s nothing to worry about.
Amy doesn’t feel listened to – so she dons a mask and assumes an alternate character called Eddie, goes no contact with Celia, and subsequently moves in with the patient and kind Kieran (Edward Jobling) a resident doctor.
We then meet eye-contact-avoiding Aunty Jo (Samantha Parry) who tries to be the supportive sister-in-law that Celia needs. She would love to hug her, but due to her aversion to physical touch, she finds this extremely difficult. As far as Amy is concerned, Aunty Jo is the only one who understands her. Brad Sutherland’s The Girl In The Mask deals with how people deal with situations, themselves, and each other.
Between the strained communications and miscommunications, however, there is plenty of banter; Celia remarks that her dead husband looks like a camp vampire. Amy explains that his extremely pale complexion forced her to put make-up on his corpse. The script is full of humorous, well-written, and observed dialogue. The comedy in this production of highs and lows, directed by Orsolya Nagy, is timed to perfection and thoroughly enjoyable.
For anyone who has experienced extreme relationship challenges due to undiagnosed autism, this is an eye-opening mirror for all. When faced with the difficulties that such misunderstandings can bring, could we be patient, kind, considerate, and compassionate?
White Bear Theatre, 138 Kennington Park Rd, London, SE11 4DJ until 17th October.
Booking and full details: https://www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk/whatson/the-girl-in-the-mask
