“Monkeywood and McDonald Hughes are a potent combination and I hope they’ll be around for a long, long time to come. Outstanding and uncompromising – you simply musn’t miss this.”
“Once in a House on Fire is a realistic picture of a dysfunctional family, but not a bleak one. The affection between the sisters, which is a key factor in their survival, is reflected in the vivid performances.…It is a tribute to the skill of the company that we care as much for those left behind as we do about the central character.”
“Andrea Ashworth’s award-winning memoir is a breathtakingly honest account of her experiences of domestic violence and financial hardship when growing up in inner city Manchester in the 1970s and 80s and locally-based Monkeywood Theatre (in development with The Lowry) has done a commendable job of transferring it to the stage….This a gripping story which is well told by a local theatre company.”
“There are good performances from the strong cast, particularly Sarah McDonald Hughes as Andrea and Rachel Austin in a variety of roles. In spite of its dark story, this uplifting production will tour nationally and appear at the Edinburgh Fringe, so Andrea’s story will continue to inspire.”
“Once in a House on Fire is a terrific play, graced by excellent performances throughout; and the use (and apt choice) of songs and news items to segue from scene to scene was a splendid stroke.”
“Monkeywood should be proud of their adaptation as they have translated a gripping tale that engrosses you in such a way that you so desperately want better things for the family. I loved everything about this performance; the story, the acting, the direction, the set and the development of the character’s relationships. The ending is just so beautiful and moving. It left me hoping there’d be a brighter future for everyone. I rarely get to see theatre this good – even in Manchester.”