The Pennington family have not been in the same room for 17 years, yet on the eve of William's 75th birthday all three generations gather in the hope that the mistakes of the past can be consigned to history.

An errant daughter, an autistic son, and a second son that could never just grasp the nettle; his children have always proved a disappointment to his lofty ambitions. With long-held resentments rising back to the surface, and new problems unexpectedly presenting themselves, any plans of family reconciliation may give way to further turmoil. But William knows he is running out of time to accept his family on their own terms - even if they cannot overlook his own shortcomings in return.

Andrew Keatley's play The Gathered Leaves is a moving, poignant and funny family drama that sees the weight of history, of reputation, and of expectation, all descend on one family over Easter weekend in 1997.

First staged at the Park Theatre, London, in 2015, it is revived there in 2025 in a production directed by Adrian Noble.

About the Author
Andrew Keatley studied English and Drama at Royal Holloway, University of London, and Acting at Webber Douglas. His plays include Alligators (Hampstead Downstairs, 2016); The Gathered Leaves (Park Theatre, London, 2015; revived 2025); Go To Your God Like A Soldier (Old Vic Tunnels, London/Underbelly, Edinburgh); Colourings (Old Red Lion, Islington); Care (Bush); Why Don't We Multiply? and Weapon of Choice (Theatre503).

Reviews

'A freshness and verve that's hugely impressive'

* Telegraph *

'Riveting... Keatley accurately pins down the tensions within family life and records a moment of social transition'

* Guardian *

'Outstanding'

* The Times *

'Meaty family drama... perceptive and funny... a humane, deliberately old-fashioned play'

* Evening Standard *



Book Information
ISBN 9781839045073
Author Andrew Keatley
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Nick Hern Books
Publisher Nick Hern Books