Good Grief Review

Continuing life after your wife’s death is hard enough as it is but Good Grief manages to put the shameful cherry on top of then sleeping with her ex pal.

Lorien Hayne’s Good Grief is a guilt-ridden love story which battles between betrayal and bereavement, where two friends slowly find themselves entangled in a very risky game of romance. The production is a unique hybrid of both theatre and television, which showcases Adam’s first year living without Liv (the dead wife).

We watch Adam and Cat’s lives recklessly entwine, as they clumsily drag each other out of the darkness after Liv’s passing. Moments of humour and wittiness are speckled throughout their journey, both as friends that turn to secret lovers. However, it was also extremely refreshing to see the ugly reality of grieving be included; with it’s distorted jealousy and uncontrollable tempter.

Throughout the 45 minutes, we observe both of their experiences with grief and the distinct stages of it. Nikesh Patel plays Adam who is the alluring but widowed husband who copes by adding humour to everything and anything - regardless if it’s inappropriate. Then stood by his side is Cat, who is played by Sian Clifford. Sian’s performance is truly breathtaking, as she continuously wrestles between what’s considered morally right and what Cat desperately wants.

And lastly we have Liv, who passed away after an eight year battle with cancer. Despite never seeing or physically hearing Liv, her character undoubtedly stole the show and her presence never drifted from focus. As Adam and Cat share amusing memories of this incredible woman, it began to feel as if Liv would’ve been one of our own friends if we’d had the chance.

With the production being created in 2021, there’s an extra touch of familiarity to the cast and storyline as most scenes are noticeably alike. As Covid-19 struck and the theatres closed, the crew filmed their shots in what seemed to look like very similar but empty rooms. The only differing factor is the placement of cardboard boxes and what they’re representing e.g. an IKEA car park or cupboard.

This story is bravely unapologetic and uncomfortably honest, as Adam finds himself juggling both the grief from his wife’s passing and the voluntary remorse of whether to pursue Cat. Ultimately, this is a gut-wrenching lesson about appreciating the life in front of you and learning to let your loved ones truly go.