Beloved British artist L.S. Lowry (Timothy Spall) lived all his life with his over-bearing mother Elizabeth (Vanessa Redgrave). Bed-ridden and bitter, Elizabeth actively tried to dissuade her bachelor son from pursuing his artistic ambitions, whilst never failing to voice her opinion at what a disappointment he was to her. By turns hilarious, brutal and tender, and featuring yet another tremendous performance from Timothy Spall, this has an appealing old-school charm. Often sad and unsettling, this is also livelier and less oppressive than it may sound thanks to the fine writing, deft direction, and the superb, if painful interplay between Redgrave and Spall. “An entertaining showcase for two first-class performers.” Guardia