Florian Zeller's third in his domestic trilogy, The Son transfers into the West End following an acclaimed run at the Kiln Theatre. Starring Amanda Abbington, John Light and Laurie Kynaston, it's a compact story of familial dysfunction that rattles along as depressed 17-year-old Nicolas (Kynaston) appeals to his divorced parents (Abbingdon and Light) for help. When they all find themselves unable to communicate, Nicolas' desperation ultimately leads to an explosive climax, leaving all parties devastated.

Tightly acted and intriguing, the production, directed by Michael Longhurst, moves along at a steady pace, as the family rally to understand Nicolas' problems, in turns exasperated (his father Pierre) and sympathetic (mother Anne), it's a tale of teenage angst and parental confusion. Whilst Zeller works hard to present both sides, Nicolas' parents are not listening to him, blinded by their own issues. When Nicolas finally gets them to hear, it's too late. 

It's chicly presented in all ways and the acting is undeniably fantastic, yet in truth, it's not an altogether memorable piece of theatre, despite its shocking finale. Ultimately, it's not clear quite what Zeller is trying to say; is it the folly of parenting, letting ourselves be swayed by our own parental trauma? Or is it the difficult nature of mental health? Somehow, it doesn't quite commit to either, both ideas never quite getting the lip service they deserve. 

Whilst it's down to Zeller's reputation that this piece has fine actors and creatives, it's likely that on its own, The Son would not be making a prodigal journey to the West End this summer.

Four Stars