Collateral Damage at Stephenson Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall Review
Collateral Damage by Michael Johnson explores the dynamics of the Laing family after youngest Alex gets out of prison. The piece revolves around the three women who all have their own issues and never seem to communicate with each other.
The script, feeling very much like its plucked straight from an Eastenders’ storyline feels complex whilst never over complicating itself, sticking to the main story beats whilst giving each woman a singular demon to face both inwards and within the family dynamic. I will say that the piece is very drama heavy and tackles some very difficult issues and situations so bear in mind when booking that this is not a light hearted show but you still come out with a sense of happiness that the women are starting to rebuild their relationships.
The cast shine throughout the piece, never overshadowing one another, instead being able to almost combine their rage into a manifestation of anger they have towards their father/husband’s death years ago.
Collateral Damage does a great deal in both writing and acting, being able to deal with difficult issues in a way in which the audience can understand and even relate to easily without ever verging into depressing territory.
★★★★
Written by Kerry for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
