THIS week, The Garrick presents Rutherford and Son, a play first seen in 1912 and, unusually for the times, written by a woman, Gita Sowerby.

One wonders if it is a little slow moving and long for modern audiences – the second half in itself lasts an hour and a half – yet it reflects human nature well.

The strained atmosphere in the Rutherford household is captured from the start in the gloomy home where industrialist Rutherford lives with his adult family.

You can feel the pent up resentment for their tyrannical father whose only love is his glass making factory which he plans to leave to at least one of them, though none are interested.

From his first grand entrance, Rutherford, played by a charismatic Richard Sails, dominates his family.

He has educated them well but has never considered its effect upon them.

One by one he lights the blue touch paper as each of his children explode verbally. There are powerful scenes when he confronts them.

Richard, John and Janet played by Scott Ransome, John Keen and Ali Davenport give fine displays of acting as their true feelings for their father emerge.

Outstanding performances also come from Mags Johnston as the grumpy aunt and David Baxendale as faithful factory manager, Martin.

Parissa Zamanpour, who plays daughter-in-law, Mary, becomes the only one who can handle Rutherford and her efforts lead to the unusual ending.

• Rutherford and Son runs until April 8.

For tickets, telephone 0161 928 1677 or book online. Star rating: * * *