Review: INSTRUCTIONS FOR CORRECT ASSEMBLY, Royal Court

Let's face it, we never turn into the person our parents hope we'll be. Most of the time, our up-bringers learn to adjust to this fact, and accept their offspring for who they are. Granted, it's harder to do this when the son you've raised ends up using drugs, blowing money left right and centre and burgling the family's possessions.

But hey, nobody's perfect, right?

When tragedy strikes and their child Nick is lost forever, Harry and Max search for their second chance. Embarking on a "brand new exciting project", they go online and buy a lifelike human/machine that arrives in a flat pack container, ready to be built.

The instructions seem straight forward enough; they build, screw and saw away, but when all of the parts have eventually been correctly assembled, they realise that their purchase is something less than desirable. This premium product comes with one too many glitches.

As an audience you sit there confused; but don't worry, that's part of it. You're never really sure whether you're watching Nick's story on stage, or that of his robotic doppelganger.

Brian Vernel really shines in the role of the double son. He generates several little tics that effectively put across the idea that something isn't quite right. His movements are meticulously precise; even when the entire company are on stage, you can't avert your eyes from him.

Hamish Pirie's production reveals two parents who seem to be happy, but are actually hiding from their grief. Mark Bonnar and Jane Horrocks share a gorgeous intimacy on stage. Their moments together are tender, humorous and genuinely authentic.

Thomas Eccleshare's production is a never-ending struggle, focusing on the pressures put on young people by their parents. How can a child ever live up to unrealistic expectations? Sure, you want them to be the absolute best, but is it for their benefit?

Or, are you actually hoping for them to succeed so that you can show them off to everyone, and then be praised for being 'brilliant' parents - thus getting the recognition you feel like you deserve?

Instructions for Correct Assembly at the Royal Court until 19 May

Photo credit: Johan Persson

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