PAUL DONNELLY’s “(Not) Letting Go” is beautifully done. A parent needs to love their child fully, which includes teaching their child how to develop skills to succeed on their own. A parent must nurture a child to gain confidence, take on responsibilities, and become a self sustaining adult. What if the parent can’t let go? I highly recommend this play!

03.03.25 - "This is like watching a train wreck that I just can’t stop." This statement perfectly encapsulates the frustration one can feel when they see self-destructive behavior in someone who can't see it in themselves. Paul Donnelly gives us a pair of sisters, one of whom is in denial about her responsibilities to her son and the need to let him fly the nest. The other sister can only shake her head in resignation that this won't change. The umbilical is too strong here. Deeply affecting.

A really intense and layered piece of writing which explores a myriad of issues and which Paul Donnelly carves into a thoroughly realistic and absorbing play. Duologues such as this can carry so much weight and illustrate their messages with a clarity which longer plays often fail to do amidst over-writing. A play which will stimulate many a discussion I am sure; as many good plays do.