For the first time, the National Theatre commissioned Mike Leigh to create an original play. Using his usual methods, Leigh worked with his team to explore characters, relationships, themes and ideas. The play concerns the lives and relationships of three generations in a contemporary London Jewish middle-class family. It explores a wide range of issues, including politics, religion, identity and the question of Israel and the Middle East.

Leigh’s many stage plays include Babies Grow Old (RSC 1974), Abigail’s Party (Hampstead theatre 1977), and It’s A Great Big Shame! (Theatre Royal, Stratford East, 1993). His popular films include Naked, Secrets & Lies, Topsy-Turvey, All Or Nothing and vera Drake.