Iron review – a real-life mother and daughter add extra dimension to prison drama

Home, Manchester Rona Munro’s understated untangling of a fractured relationship is revived with Christine and Lois Mackie You can see why they cast real-life mother and daughter Christine and Lois Mackie in the central roles of Rona Munro’s 2002 prison drama . With Christine playing Fay, a lifer who is inside for murder, and Lois as Josie, her daughter and only visitor, it is no stretch to believe they are related.

The irony, though, in this probing, slippery play, is not just that they are estranged but they have become quite unlike each other. It has been 15 years since Josie saw her mother and, having been raised by a grandmother, has grown into a sensible career woman, all suits, business parties and international travel.

At Home, Manchester , until 19 September. Then at The Dukes, Lancaster , 30 September–3 October. Continue reading...