Rikki Beadle-Blair, brings a hilarious but accurate insight into modern family life to the Theatre Royal Stratford East with his latest play, Familyman. Caesar Ramsay (Gary Beadle), a typically proud and stubborn father, captivates the audience from the start as he gradually looses control of his family. Caesar naturally wants the best for his family and when his son, Nelson (Ricci McLeod), publically announces that he is going to have a baby with his new secret wife he is left searching for reasons why this has happened and how the actions of generations past have contributed to this nightmare.

The deterioration of Caesar and Nelson's relationship is the focal point of the show but the volatile connection that Caesar shares with his mother (Llewella Gideon) is unsettling for the audience as they learn that Caesar's childhood was far from perfect.

Familyman explores all kinds of relationships; from fathers and sons, boyfriends and girlfriends, to sisters and brothers.  Superbly written, the play highlights some heavy 21st century issues such as teenage pregnancy and physical discipline. Sprinkled with hysterical lines, the audience can digest the seriousness in between fits of laughter.

Familyman's predominantly black cast captures the essence of modern family life and Gideon, who doubles up as Caesars mother, Precious, and his Nana Grace, is particularly skilled at emulating a British mother who still very much possesses her West Indian characteristics.

The acting in the show is excellent and the script is so well written that it is easy to loose yourself in this realistic portrayal of a contemporary family.
Familyman possesses everything that a great show should, it is funny, well written, credible and evokes emotion leaving you comparing yourself to characters and wondering if there really is such thing as a perfect parent?

Family runs from 2nd May 2008 - 31st May 2008
Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London, E15 1BN
Tues - Sat -Evenings from 7:30pm
Tues 13th May (only) - 6:30pm
Matinees - Wednesday 14th May and Sat 31st May: 2pm,
Tues - Sat & Matinees - £12, £19, Children and Conc. - £8, £12
'Be 1st to see' nights, 2nd - 9th May, all seats £10.