Review: Albatross, Omnibus Theatre

Caroline Rippin and Agnes Lillis in Albatross, Omnibus Theatre. Photo: Ashley Day Albatross at the Omnibus Theatre is a play about the fractious relationship between a mother and daughter, the sacrifices they make and climate change. Eve (Agnes Lillis) has been caring for her young granddaughter, Alba, while her daughter, Alice (Caroline Rippin), is working on a climate research project in Antarctica. With Alice’s imminent return, she is looking forward to getting her life back and going on a cruise with her new boyfriend, Martin (Patrick Morris). When she does return unexpectedly, it isn’t the greeting that either mother or daughter would have planned, and the atmosphere quickly becomes tetchy. As both lay out their future plans, the sacrifices they have made are laid bare. Eve gave up the dancing job she loved when she became a mum, while Alice is sacrificing motherhood for her work. Are the sacrifices equal if Alice is doing important work? Does it feel like a sacrifice when…