Radio Times: Review by:; Jane Anderson

Strong language and pounding rock music pepper this play by AL Kennedy, but for all the right reasons. It follows one man’s rapid descent from average family guy to desperate drunk, and is matched by a very 20th-century soundtrack of rock dinosaurs (Deep Purple, the Rolling Stones) as he struggles to find a grain of self-worth in the 21st century.

Tim McInnerny and Harriet Walter are on top form as Simon — the alcoholic who still drinks — and Jean — the alcoholic who’s been dry for 18 years. Kennedy’s dark humour creates laughter in the most unexpected places and it’s rather wonderful to see a story about alcoholism end on a tear-jerkingly positive note. Cheers, AL Kennedy!

About this programme

That I Should Rise, by AL Kennedy. Darkly comic drama exploring the faltering process of recovery from alcohol dependency. Tim McInnerny plays Simon, a self-destructive drinking father and husband, office worker and pub musician, who befriends his mentor on an alcohol recovery programme. The play is accompanied by an R'n'B soundtrack. Tim McInnerny (Simon), Harriet Walter (Jean), Lia Williams (Paula), Olly Bell (Philip), Susanna Dye (Dawn), Pameli Benham (Assistant in charity shop), Maria Askew (Julie/Girl in Nightclub), Alun Raglan (Lenny), director Mark Smalley.