4000 Days is the latest venture of the lovably quirky Park Theatre, which consistently delivers high quality shows as well as a great atmosphere. The story follows Michael (Alistair McGowan) who wakes after a three-week coma to find that he has forgotten the last 11 years – or 4000 days – of his life, whilst his mother and partner are left picking up the pieces. The atmosphere on stage ranges from cold and tense to heartfelt and genuine, thanks to the skill of the cast. Maggie Ollerenshaw as Michael’s sharp-tongued mother, who lets you know exactly what she’s thinking, commands the situation with a chilling ease, whilst Daniel Weyman is captivating as Paul, Michael’s stressed partner, who fights for his right to be a part of Michael’s life.

The show makes us question the reliability of our memories, and re-evaluate the choices we’ve made in our lives. It also gives the audience a chance to think about what we would do differently if we ever had the chance to start again.

Peter Quilter’s script is chock-a-block full of dry humour and a sarcastic wit. It seems to make light of mental illness; however, whilst a little more sensitivity wouldn’t go amiss, the script still holds up as wonderfully entertaining and relatively inoffensive. The vibrant writing provides a strong arsenal for a skilled cast and finds moments for both heartbreak and laughs.

Ollerenshaw and Weyman fire dagger-like insults at each other – the way everyone secretly wants to bash it out with their in-laws at one point or another. Amongst this, however, Matt Aston’s direction finds the truth in every moment with elegance and fluency, and is rewarded as the relationships come to life on stage amongst Rebecca Brower’s simple yet effective set. Paul and Michael’s awkward interactions as, in Michael’s eyes, two people meeting for the first time, rather than Paul’s view as of them as partners of ten years, are wonderfully tender and tragic.

This evocative show makes you want to hold your loved ones close and take a long look at how you are living your life. 4000 Days is a charming portrayal of family, fighting and rediscovering love, which firmly stands its ground amongst – in Aston’s words – today’s “endless access to information and technology”.

4000 Days is playing at the Park Theatre until 13 February. For more information, go to the Park Theatre website. Photo: Rory Lindasy.