The Nuttalls

Michael Healey is a talented playwright, but this talent is not particularly evident in his ridiculously off-the-wall comedy The Nuttalls. It's the story of a neurotic and abusive mother (played by Martha Irving) and her loutish son Eck (Adam Bayne), a young man who goes to absurd extremes to untie the strangle-hold of his mother’s apron strings. The dark humour falls flat more often than not, although there are some laugh-out loud moments including an impromptu trumpet serenade and an attack with a hot dog. Irving's performance is noteworthy as she never waivers from the kookiness of her character and proves herself to be a fine hand at physical comedy. Bayne does and admirable job as the diabolical son, but unfortunately, their great performances are marred by a weak script. (KW)