⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review: Blessings at Riverside Studios https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/blessings-177622/
Blessings at Riverside Studios is a richly atmospheric and deeply human exploration of family, faith, and the moral turbulence of the 1960s. Directed with sensitivity and intelligence, the play captures a pivotal moment in British social history — a decade when traditional values clashed with the new freedoms of a changing world. It’s a thoughtful, gripping production brought vividly to life by a stellar cast, led by Gary Webster and an extraordinary debut performance by Freddie Webster.
Set against a backdrop of shifting class structures and cultural awakening, Blessings weaves its story around a working-class family grappling with the personal consequences of societal change. The writing is sharp and heartfelt, with themes of loyalty, pride, and redemption pulsing beneath every exchange. The set design immediately evokes the texture of the 1960s — all formica kitchens, nicotine-stained wallpaper, and muted optimism — drawing the audience into a world both familiar and fading.
At the centre of it all is Gary Webster, whose commanding presence anchors the production. Best known for his iconic turns in Minder and EastEnders, Webster once again proves he is one of the UK’s most underrated actors. His performance here is layered and magnetic: a man torn between old loyalties and the unrelenting push of modern life. He brings a bruised dignity to the role — a quiet strength mixed with a sense of defeat that feels heartbreakingly authentic. In a just world, this performance would cement his reputation as one of Britain’s finest stage actors.
Equally striking is the breakout performance of Freddie Webster, making his professional stage debut after studying at Mountview Drama School. It’s rare to see such poise, nuance, and emotional truth in a first-timer. Freddie delivers a performance that is at once raw and refined, capturing the restless energy of youth alongside the vulnerability of someone desperate to find their place in a world that doesn’t quite make sense. His natural stage presence and impeccable timing mark him as a talent to watch — a future star in the making. The chemistry between father and son, both on stage and in spirit, is palpable and moving, adding an extra layer of resonance to the drama.
Hannah Traylen, as Frances, deserves special mention. She brings warmth, wit, and quiet steel to a role that could easily have been overshadowed in lesser hands. Traylen’s Frances is a woman of her time but also ahead of it — sharp-tongued yet tender, pragmatic yet passionate. It’s a beautifully judged performance suggesting that Traylen is another rising talent with a bright future
The supporting cast contribute solidly, creating a believable ensemble that breathes life into every corner of the story. The pacing of the piece, while deliberate, allows each emotional beat to land fully. If there is a minor quibble, it’s that the play runs a little long without an interval — at times, one finds oneself wishing for a short pause to absorb the emotional intensity before diving back in. Yet, in truth, this is a small price to pay for the richness of the experience. The continuous flow also has its advantages: it keeps the audience immersed, never breaking the spell the actors have so carefully woven.
Technically, Blessings is beautifully realised. Lighting and sound design work in quiet harmony to evoke both nostalgia and unease. The director’s attention to period detail ensures that nothing feels contrived; instead, every moment feels lived-in and real. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, alternating between humour and heartbreak in a way that mirrors real life.
Ultimately, Blessings is a triumph — a play that reminds us why live theatre matters. It challenges, it moves, and it connects. It holds a mirror up to a time not so long ago, showing us how the struggles of the past still echo in the present. Gary Webster delivers a masterclass in restrained power,
The result is an evening of theatre that feels both timeless and immediate — .
https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/blessings-177622/
2Shades Magazine 