Miss Myrtle's Garden

Bush Theatre

Playing. until 12th July 2025

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Photo credit: Camilla Greenwell

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Sentiments and family history are stirred and unearthed as Rudy (Michael Ahomka-Lindsay) moves in with her gran, Miss Myrtle (Diveen Henry), in an attempt to save money to buy his own place with his boyfriend Jason (Elander Moore). What started as harmless and insignificant changes in actions and behaviour from Myrtle turn into something more serious. As Rudy gradually discovers more about his gran, they could no longer just be co-inhabitants of the same house, but also find ways to help and support each other.

Danny James King’s script explores a family that has grown apart, loss of a loved one and added complications from health and wealth. The script combined with Henry’s performance create a subtle progression of Myrtle’s health conditions as signs of dementia become more noticeable, providing the audience with the time and space to reflect on the character’s behavioural quirks planted throughout, and her reluctance to talk about her son. There is incredible nuance, effortlessly switching amongst Myrtle’s states of mind, dancing between utmost confusion and crystal-clear clarity.

Rudy knows very little about his nan, partly driven by the passing of his father and the fear of his homosexuality not being accepted by his family. Given the emotional detachment between Rudy and Myrtle at the start of the play, King's script and Taio Lawson’s direction make it simple for the audience to ease themselves into the situation Rudy found himself in, allowing us to learn more about his situation and that of Myrtle’s as the story progresses. Beyond familial bonds, the play also explores the importance and desire of companionship for both the elderly and the younger generations.

Eddie (Gary Lilburn), Myrtle’s neighbour who volunteers to tend to her garden, is often mistaken as Melrose (Mensah Bediako), Myrtle’s late husband. However, rather than accepting the fact that this is due to Myrtle’s confused state and deteriorating condition, he has convinced himself that she knows who he is deep down, perhaps living in a delusional state that there is something stronger and meaningful in their relationship. The narrative is bold and unafraid to shatter the hopes of each of the characters. It is frank and does not shy away from the inevitable that includes caring duties and the strain of Myrtle’s dementia will have on all of the characters’ relationships.

While appreciating Rudy and Jason’s relationship add a layer of young romantic love and the fear of been outed, these remain in the periphery of the core aspects of the play. However, it is worth highlighting Ahomka-Lindsay plays his character with great subtlety, creating a stark contrast to Moore’s more flamboyant Jason. The progression of Myrtle’s condition and her interactions with her friends and relatives provide ample material for this two-act play, resulting in a somewhat underdeveloped side story about Melrose’s gambling problem and the relationship between Rudy and Jason that have minimal impact of the overall plot.

A standout performer in this show, Henry has a larger-than-life stage presence, her character’s wit and sternness seemingly sharpened by age and illness. Despite her dementia, she shows more strength and clarity than the other characters, which is further enhanced through her snappy delivery of dialogue and physical movements. Even though there is a level of physical intimacy of passion between Rudy and Jason, these pale in comparison to what Yarit Dor has designed for Henry, Bediako and Lilburn, showcasing that deeper level of connection that one could only achieve after years of trust with those you love.

Khadija Raza’s design of a centre stage in the round captures the essence of an ever-evolving garden, with plants and soil tended by Eddie throughout. Amongst the chaos experienced by the character, the garden, particularly in Act II, create a sense of serenity, grounding the characters in what could be perceived as their happy place.

Miss Myrtle’s Garden serve as an intimate and yet vital reminder on the impact of dementia; its reach extends beyond the person affected and permeates through that person’s entire support system.

Creatives

Writer: Danny James King

Director: Taio Lawson

Set and Costume Designer: Khadija Raza

Lighting Designer: Joshua Gadsby

Sound Designer and Composer: Dan Balfour

Movement and Intimacy Director: Yarit Dor