Jumpy

by April De Angelis

- You're having some kind of crisis. - It's called being fifty. You must be having it too. Hilary once protested at Greenham. Now her protests tend to focus on persuading her teenage daughter to go out fully clothed. A frank and funny family drama questioning parental anxieties and life after fifty, "Jumpy" by April De Angelis premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in October 2011.

Genres: Plays

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Patrick Neylan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Over-long, with Hilary (the mother) unrealistically neurotic and the daughter (Tilly) too stereotypically stroppy. She even has tells her mother, "You've ruined my life!" It still has some humour, but the numerous scene changes sap the energy on stage. The minor characters are fun though.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read - looks at parenthood, the gap between parents and teenagers and the feelings around being in your fifties.

Good allocation of male/female parts - female parts are better. Needs a really good(funny) burlesque routine to be choreographed. Four teenagers needed.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some really nice dialogue but story didn’t work for me.

[JMJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow this play took me by surprise. I really enjoy de Angelis' portrayal of everyday life but interlaced with some insightful points and plenty of wit. I particularly enjoyed the ending - a note of hope and a positive message to those out there watching this play and finding themselves in similar positions.

[Ceilidh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh? It was okay? I really don't have much to say about this one. Quick read while waiting for referendum results.