YES, WE’RE RELATED IS QUIRKY, FUN, AND REFRESHINGLY HONEST

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

When I read it was a comedy about grief I was like, huh, it could be funny. When I read further and understood that the play would also be about a woman who believes her mother is reincarnated as a red squirrel called Gerard I understood that this was in fact the perfect play for me. That’s the correct level of surreal-ness I require for a Wednesday evening in my world. Following a very successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, ‘Yes, We’re related’ is making its west end debut. Performed at the fabulous The Other Place Theatre, it was my first venture there and I really liked the venue. A bar by the stage is always appreciated by my sort of audience.

The play begins as two sisters come together to celebrate the 1st anniversary of their mothers death. It opens with the conventional sibling set up, the chaotic younger sister, Sara [Florence Lace-Evans] and the highly strung older sister, Saskia [Eleanor Griffiths] instantly bickering …a tale as old of time, basically. Before the play has time to fall into something stereotypical, Saskias Fiance, Mark arrives and the comedy really kicks off.

The play quickly establishes its offbeat tone, with a set of hilariously bizarre props and comedic timing that brings out the inherent absurdity of grieving. It’s clear that “Yes, We’re Related” isn’t just about loss; it’s about the lengths we go to cope, however strange they might seem to others. Sara’s peculiar friendship with Gerard, the (we presume is real) red squirrel that *may* be the reincarnation of her mother, might seem unusual, but it captures a kind of raw, comedic vulnerability that gives the play its charm. This surreal element weaves in a surprisingly heartfelt undercurrent, showing that grief, when paired with humour, can be both healing and painfully relatable.

Lace-Evans’s writing and performance as Sara bring both high-energy comedy and a poignant sincerity. Her portrayal of a chaotic, unmoored younger sister anchors the play, particularly as she hilariously unravels in scenes like the one where she messily devours trifle with her bare hands (we’ve all been there). Meanwhile, Eleanor Griffiths as Saskia delivers an equally strong performance, juxtaposing Sara’s disorder with her own brand of controlled chaos. Griffiths’ character, though more reserved, balances the mania with moments of genuine emotional depth, and their sisterly chemistry makes the heart of the play pulse. As each sister takes it in turns to unravel, the play also reveals the grief and pain that can come with just living life and with loving each other as relationships end and others are rebuilt.

Despite its comedic exterior, “Yes, We’re Related” also digs into some real and recognisable sibling dynamics. The audience sees not just their shared love but also the weight of unsaid grievances and blame, which bubble up in a showdown that feels as raw as it is cathartic. Never has a bag for life and a Costa cup felt more sacred. Mark, played by Fabian Bevan, whose performance is comedic and endearing, brings a welcome dose of levity as the slightly clueless yet earnest fiancé – although his role seems more functional to push forward the sisters’ interactions rather than developed in its own right.

Overall, the play delivers exactly what it promises—a “nutty” and heartfelt take on family, loss, and coping mechanisms that vary wildly from one person to the next. While it’s a bit rough around the edges, it’s this messiness that makes the story endearing and relatable. “Yes, We’re Related” is quirky, fun, and refreshingly honest, with performances that carry both laughter and a surprising amount of soul. Perfect for an evening that needs both comedy and catharsis, it’s a show worth catching on its West End run.

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Photo Credit: Lexi Clare Photography

CAST

Sara – Florence Lace-Evans
Saskia – Eleanor Griffiths
Mark – Fabian Bevan

CREATIVES

Writer: Florence Lace-Evans
Director: Fran Davies-Cáceres
Producer: Lace-Evans Productions

Composer & Sound Designer: Sarah Spencer
Lighting Designer: Oliver McNally
Associate Lighting Designer: Emily Collier

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