
Kindred
by Aimee Walker-Reid
directed by George Rowlands
produced by Kefi Theatre
It’s the most important week of their lives.
On Saturday Matt is meant to be marrying Lois, the love of his life. Bad timing. Right now, he struggles to leave the flat alone. But as the couple try to prepare for the happiest day of their lives, with each step towards order, fate has other plans. The week starts with a funeral instead.
After a punch up at the wake, it’s up to Lois to keep the week from spiralling out of control. And as Matt’s anxiety increases, very soon it’s not just the ‘big day’ at stake but the relationship itself.
Kefi Theatre present the premiere of Kindred, a play by Aimee Walker-Reid, which confronts the hilarious and harsh realities of love, and asks the question: how long can a lover be a carer before something snaps?
“I feel like I’ve lived a whole life in the space of this week.”
Kindred is directed by George Rowlands (Stephen Daldry’s An Inspector Calls, UK/Ireland) with additional and musical direction from Morgan Burgess (Dirty Dancing, the Dominion Theatre). Cast includes Aimee Walker-Reid (Parliament Square, the Unicorn Theatre) and Finlay Vane Last (How to Have Sex, MUBI).
Photography by Yazdan Qafouri
Press for this production
‘Vane Last is charismatic and nuanced as the tormented, frustrating but sweet Matt, while Walker-Reid excels as his anchor… There are very funny moments throughout and Walker-Reid has written two utterly convincing and sympathetic characters and draws the audience into their world effortlessly, while George Rowlands’ slick direction maintains a tension that never lags in this fascinating and powerful play.’ ★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions
‘The nuanced performances from both actors make this a compelling and intriguing production, and for a debut play, it’s a highly promising start.’ ★★★★ London Theatre 1
‘audiences can expect to be pleasantly engaged by this two-hander which tickles your funny bone before piercing your heart… Walker-Reid has crafted a well-paced narrative and presents an endearing yet troubled couple in which audiences build genuine investment… the carefully considered escalation of tension penned by Walker-Reid, alongside the intensely real passion displayed by the pair in the play’s climax, results in a satisfying and authentic experience… Messy, yet honest, this piece doesn’t have answers to the problems it presents but offers a thought-provoking reflection on the limit of human empathy.’ ★★★★ The Reviews Hub
‘Skilfully, horror & comedy exist simultaneously… The chemistry between Walker-Reid and Last is consistently genuine and director George Rowlands works well with the actors in structuring the relationship clearly and specifically. Although only an hour long, the material does not feel rushed or cursory but fully, spectacularly and closely felt.’ ★★★★ Lost in Theatre Land
‘Finlay Vane Last does a beautiful job as Matt, all his sensitivities on the surface of his skin but charismatic too… Walker-Reid also impresses as Lois, equally charming when she’s allowed to be his partner but inevitably struggling as she’s pushed more and more into the thankless role of his carer… Tamra Walker-Reid’s set design works well within the black box of the Jack Studio and I loved its varied hints of domestic chaos tumbling from the ceiling. George Rowlands’ astute direction paces the show well, its multiple shifts in timeline clearly defined… an insightful and stirring drama that packs a lot into its hour.’ There Ought to be Clowns
‘Every detail on and above the stage represents the chaotic situation the couple are going through. Everyday domestic item are placed in unexpected areas. It’s worth taking a few minutes to have a good look around the stage. The close working relationship between the actors and the trust that they have in each other when the relationship is tested to the ultimate point and things become physical is superb. Together they give very strong believable performances.’ ★★★★ Theatre and Arts Reviews
Creative Team
Kindred
Written by Aimee Walker-Reid
Directed by George Rowlands
Assistant Director: Morgan Burgess
Set Design and Construction: Tamra Walker-Reid
Musical Director / Composer: Morgan Burgess
Lighting and Sound Design: Grace Gjertson
Set, Props and Make-up: Elisa Walker-Reid
Set, Props and Painting: Lucia Walker-Reid
Operator: Charlie Heptinstall
Produced by Kefi Theatre
Cast
Cast:
Lois : Aimee Walker-Reid
Matt : Finlay Vane Last

















