Honest Lies is a drama set in Birmingham taking us from the 1970’s to present day. Marion is dealing with the memories of her late husband Geoff when her daughter April calls round with an ulterior motive, but will hidden family secrets ruin their relationship or make it stronger?

Directed by Alison Belbin and written by Jenny Stokes (who plays Marion) and Dawn Butler (who plays April), the story questions the emotional cost of parenthood and celebrates the strength and resilience of womankind. It asks us to question what we would do ourselves in this same life situation.

Stokes and Butler have a good rapport throughout, as do Nicholas Baker as Geoff and Victoria Tew as Young Marion, and the earlier scenes of the story are a delight to watch. The story is told with minimum set and props and allows for the focus to be on the smaller details.

Additional characters are thrown in to the mix and are also played by this small cast, with a special mention going to Butler for her hilarious portrayal of Marion’s mother.

This is a thoroughly moving piece and deals with uncomfortable themes within what feels like a very safe space. There is something within this story that all of us can relate to in some way and the course of family life never was simple, that is clearly outlined here.

Honestly good.

This show was reviewed on the 21st February 2025 at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre where it runs until the 22nd February 2025 before touring the UK until the 15th March 2025.  Tickets for Lichfield Garrick Theatre here: Honest Lies | Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Review written by Rachel Louise Martin

AD/Gifted

Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.