The Anniversary

This show has now closed, click here for a listing of current and future London shows

Comedy Opened 26 January 2005, Closed 16 April 2005

Garrick Theatre Charing Cross Road, London

"I've always wondered why you never asked me home to meet your mum... Now I know."

In Bill MacIlwraith's The Anniversary beloved sons and bedevilled daughters-in-law gather for the annual ritual. But this year plots, schemes and secrets are lurking among the chintz. As the candles are lit and glasses raised, the party spirals into a hilarious battle of wits as Mum uses any means necessary to keep her chicks in the nest.

"A beautifully acted revival" The Independent

Sheila Hancock, who played the young daughter-in-law in the 1966 premiere, now stars as the deliciously evil comic creation of 'Mum'.

For decades the butt of every stand-up’s routine, The Anniversary is the mother-in-law’s revenge.

"Shelia Hancock gives a master class in the art of being a battle-axe" The Daily Telegraph

The performances are delicious, with Shelia Hancock queening it - and creaming it - as the monstrously manipulative and twisted matriarch. It is a great performance" The Guardian

A stinging, grotesque and very funny study of the tortures endured and inflicted in family life... The Anniversary is as psychologically astute as ever, and it still packs a hell of a punch." The Times

Buy the book Anniversary: Play by Bill Macilwraith online