The Story of Relics
When four siblings reunite at their recently deceased mother's home with the intention of dividing up her possessions, what should be a straightforward if emotional task becomes something far more complicated. A long-buried family secret explodes into the open, challenging everything they thought they knew about themselves, each other, and the mother they've just lost. Old rivalries resurface, fragile loyalties are tested, and shocking revelations force confrontations that can no longer be avoided.
The Inheritance
Clearing out a parent's home after death is never easy. Every object holds memories, every room contains stories. For these four siblings, the physical relics of their mother's life become catalysts for unearthing emotional and psychological relics long buried. What they discover about their family history forces them to reconsider their entire understanding of who they are and where they come from.
Sibling Dynamics
The play explores the complex relationships between siblings - the roles they've played since childhood, the resentments that never quite heal, the bonds that persist despite everything. As the secret emerges, these established dynamics fracture and reform. Who was the favorite? Who was ignored? Who knew more than they let on? The answers reshape everything.
Dark Comedy Meets Drama
Ockrent's script balances humor and heartbreak, finding comedy in the awkwardness of family reunions and the absurdity of grief while never diminishing the genuine emotional stakes. The play examines how families use humor to deflect, how laughter and anger can coexist, and how even in our darkest moments we remain, fundamentally and sometimes frustratingly, ourselves.
Memory and Truth
At its core, Relics asks profound questions about memory, truth, and family mythology. How much of what we remember is real? What happens when our understanding of the past is revealed to be incomplete or wrong? Can families survive the truth, or do some secrets need to stay buried? The play examines these questions with wit, intelligence, and unflinching honesty.
The Creative Team
Ben Ockrent - Playwright
Ben Ockrent makes his playwriting debut at the Lyric Hammersmith with Relics, bringing fresh perspective to family drama. While this is his first full-length play for a major London theatre, the commission demonstrates the Lyric's commitment to supporting new voices and original work that speaks to contemporary audiences with wit and insight.
Michael Longhurst - Director
Michael Longhurst is one of British theatre's most acclaimed directors, known for productions that find the perfect balance between intellectual rigor and emotional accessibility. His work consistently reveals new depths in both classic and contemporary texts while maintaining theatrical energy and audience engagement.
Longhurst's Previous Work
Longhurst directed the phenomenon Constellations, Nick Payne's intimate two-hander about love and quantum mechanics that became a West End and Broadway hit. His production of Next To Normal explored mental illness with sensitivity and theatrical invention. Other credits include work at the National Theatre, Donmar Warehouse, and the Young Vic. He won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Constellations and has been nominated for multiple Olivier Awards.
The Lyric Hammersmith
The Lyric Hammersmith is one of London's leading producing theatres, with a distinguished history dating back to 1888. Under various artistic directors, it has created productions that regularly transfer to the West End and beyond. The theatre is known for bold programming that combines revivals of classics with exciting new writing, always presented with the highest production values and featuring exceptional ensemble casts.
Practical Information
Show Times
- Monday - Saturday: 7:30pm
- Wednesday & Saturday: 2:30pm matinees
- Sunday: No performances
Getting There
- Underground: Hammersmith (2 mins walk - District, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City lines)
- Buses: Routes 27, 110, 190, 218, 267, 306, H91
- Night Buses: N9, N11, N266
- Parking: Limited street parking; public transport recommended
Theatre Information
- Historic producing theatre founded in 1888
- Main House capacity: 550 seats
- Fully accessible with lifts to all areas
- Wheelchair spaces available
- Induction loop and infrared sound amplification
- Accessible toilets on multiple levels
- Lyric Bar & Grill (pre-theatre dining)
- Ground floor café open all day
Running Dates
Relics runs at the Lyric Hammersmith from 18 June 2026 to 18 July 2026. This is a strictly limited world premiere run - book early to experience this compelling new play from one of London's most exciting producing theatres.
Age Guidance
Recommended for ages 14+ due to mature themes including death, family conflict, and potentially strong language. The play deals with adult emotional situations and family secrets in ways that will resonate most with mature audiences who can appreciate the psychological complexity and dark humor of the material.
