The Children

A memorable line from the play is: “Retired people are like nuclear power stations. We like the live by the sea.” While Hazel and Robin prefer to remain in their seaside cottage while the world around them crumbles, Rose won’t let them ignore the future that will go on with or without them.

The New York show is produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club, transferring intact from the Royal Court with the same director and cast. The production is directed by James Macdonald, who directed the 2008 Broadway production of Top Girls, also a transfer from the Royal Court to the Manhattan Theatre Club. The cast includes Francesca Annis as Rose, an old friend of a married couple Robin, played by Ron Cook, and Hazel, played by Deborah Findlay. All three are baby boomers and nuclear physicists. As it happens, Rose has no children, and Hazel and Robin have four, but nonetheless she is determined to galvanize her generation to heed the mess they are leaving behind. Deftly interweaving the personal and political, The Children is an eloquent and concisely expressed piece of theatre that reflects on our modern times. Rife with humor and expertly acted by three accomplished British actors, The Children is an exciting addition to the Manhattan Theatre Club season.