steve c

The dark night rose for me after about an hour . Fell asleep . Looked nice though - from what I can remember

I don’t often watch anything more than once ,but I’m half way through watching this brilliant series for the third time . There are plenty of laugh out loud moments,particularly from Pauline and Derek,but it’s the fleeting looks and silences that keep the viewer reminded that it’s really about people coming to terms with loss and grief,each in their own way. The relationship between Cathy and Michael is so beautifully written ,and performed by Leslie Manville and Peter Mullen - an acting master class in my opinion. There was a scene where Jason,the son,was explaining to his Mum how he felt Kelly,his partner,was somehow like his twin,such was their bond. The look of recognition by Cathy ,for what she had lost ,when her twin/husband had died was just so moving. I think comedy has sometimes a more powerful way of putting over serious messages about bereavement, ,than a straightforward drama can.For all the laughs in “Mum”,of which there are plenty,it’s the heart rending speeches from Cathy,Michael and even extremely irritating Jason that stay with me the most . Highly recommend.