Bush Theatre's latest main stage show, Miss Myrtle's Garden, is the story of 82-year-old Myrtle (Diveen Henry) who's beginning to struggle to tell the difference between reality and memory.
As her confusion grows, so do her sharp comebacks and cutting observations of those in her life. No one is safe – including her devoted husband Melrose (Mensah Bediako) and grandson Rudy (Michael Ahomka-Lindsay).
The audience is swept up in her memories. Scenes start with normal conversations but quickly become confused when Myrtle calls others by the wrong names, obsesses over a missing cat that we learn has died, and has conversations with people that other characters can't see.
H&F Council financially supports the Bush Theatre as part of our work to make H&F a stronger, safer and kinder borough.
Miss Myrtle's Garden runs until Saturday 12 July, with tickets starting at £10. The play was written by Danny James King, and the show is artistic director Taio Lawson's Bush debut.
Garden guests
The entire play takes place in Myrtle's front garden. It's where we first meet her, Melrose, Rudy and his 'close friend' Jason (Elander Moore). Later, it's also where we meet well-meaning neighbour and local drunk Eddie (Gary Lilburn).
The theatre's front row seats start inches away from the set's mix of plants, soil, garden chairs and astroturf. You feel like an invisible guest in the garden, watching Myrtle's life unfold.
The entire stage is lit by a huge circular light that changes colour to reflect the rise and set of the sun. And, to reflect Myrtle's confusion and changing realities, regularly switches off and turns the entire theatre dark.
Silver linings
Despite the sadness of watching Myrtle's decline, the play is a heart-warming watch.
Diveen Henry's delivery is funny when appropriate and the play tells the story of dementia sensitively. Rudy and Jason have the audience rooting for them from the start.
It also ends on a soothing note – Myrtle is content, Rudy happy with who he is and the garden thriving.
Catch this heart-warming watch while you can.
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