Synopsis

London, the present 

Hilary, a fifty-year-old woman struggles with the challenges of middle age, her faltering career, and her relationship with her rebellious teenage daughter, Tilly. The play opens with Hilary coming home from a stressful day, immediately illustrating the tension between her and Tilly, who is depicted as a typical teenager preoccupied with her own world, disconnected from her mother’s concerns. The plot navigates through Hilary’s attempts to reconnect with Tilly, manage her own insecurities about aging, and cope with her job’s instability. The dynamic between Hilary and Tilly is the heart of the play, with their interactions oscillating between conflict and tender moments of understanding.

The play delves into themes of motherhood, identity, and generational conflict. It is rich in dark comedy, using humour to explore serious issues such as aging, self-worth, and parent-child relationships. The tone balances poignancy and sharp wit, capturing the bittersweet reality of middle age. The style is realistic, with a linear narrative that spans several months, highlighting the everyday struggles and small victories of the characters. The dialogue is sharp and natural, reflecting the complexity of familial relationships and the pressure of societal expectations on women.