Omari Douglas Shines in "Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew": A Must-See Play at Bush Theatre

“Everything is born from something dying,” remarks Duncan during a particularly poignant moment in Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew, the remarkable debut play by non-binary playwright Coral Wylie. This concept permeates Wylie’s work, extending beyond its central theme of gardening as a transformative act. Just as flowers can blossom from the remnants of others, humans too can find unexpected growth and renewal after experiencing loss.

Duncan, portrayed with both humor and intensity by It’s A Sin and Black Doves star Omari Douglas, is a character full of complexity. Set in 2013, two decades after Duncan’s untimely death from AIDS, the play explores the lingering grief of his closest friends, Lorin and Craig, a married couple played by Pooky Quesnel and Wil Johnson. They are caught in a quiet, enduring sorrow.

Their 19-year-old child Pip, played by Wylie, has recently embraced their identity as non-binary. While Pip’s parents are supportive, they are imperfect, and Pip longs for guidance in navigating their own understanding. In a heartfelt diary entry, Pip writes, “I want to be feminine the way a man gets to be feminine. I want to put on a corset and jeans and look like a rockstar – not like someone who just discovered Gentleman Jack.” This entry exemplifies Wylie’s knack for blending the intricate and often painful journey of queer self-discovery with sharp wit.

The plot thickens when Pip stumbles upon an old ski jacket belonging to Duncan, hidden away in the attic along with Craig’s unprocessed grief. Inside the jacket is Duncan’s diary, and Pip instantly feels a connection to the vibrant queer man their parents once knew. As Pip delves into the diary, the play unfolds through flashbacks, revealing a time when Lorin and Craig were lively and animated, far removed from the subdued individuals Pip sees today. The diaries become Pip’s bridge to their parents and to the Duncan who might have been a guiding presence, though his death remains an unbridged chasm for the family.

Omari Douglas, known for his role in Russell T Davies’ acclaimed AIDS drama It’s A Sin, delivers a similarly standout performance here. His portrayal of Duncan captures the contradictions of a man facing his mortality and pondering his legacy. Ultimately, Duncan’s true legacy is not what he left behind, but what he imparted during his life. His passion for plants inspired Craig, who found solace in gardening after Duncan’s passing. As Pip begins to explore this interest, gardening emerges as a powerful symbol of connection and hope, uniting the characters despite the physical and emotional divides that separate them.

The play’s climax, enhanced by striking stage design, builds to an emotionally charged finale that earns a well-deserved standing ovation. Wylie’s play addresses numerous themes, from gay-straight male friendships and the isolating nature of grief, to the devastation wrought by the AIDS crisis and the exploration of gender and sexuality across generations. While the script occasionally veers towards the overly scripted, Wylie’s deft handling of each subject—with humor and insight—ensures a compelling and moving narrative. Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew is a beautiful and thought-provoking debut that hints at a promising career ahead for Wylie.

Catch Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew at London’s Bush Theatre through March 22. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation respectful.