Abi at the Theatre

When: 22nd February 2023 Where: Reading Rep Theatre, Reading Writer: Harriet Madeley (Originally Henrik Ibsen) Director: Annie Kershaw I am so glad I got to see this production, I think it's my favourite production I've seen so far this year. In this modern adaptation of the play Hedda's sexuality is explored, shifting one of the originally male characters to female. Not only does this bring the play further into it's social context but it explores angles of the play and reasons for Hedda's actions in a different way. Similarly by shifting the play forward to the modern day it shows how some things haven't changed surrounding the views and opinions many people still have on women in society today. Having not seen the original I cannot comment on the differences this has on the story and characters, but I loved it. I felt that the choice worked really well for the character of Hedda and it felt natural as if perhaps it was something always secretly there even in ...

  When: 11th February 2023 (Matinee) Where: Harold Pinter Theatre, London Writer: Sam Steiner Director: Josie Rourke After reading this play a few years ago, I was very excited when the production was announced at my favourite theatre of all places. I love this play, and whilst I don't think its anything particularly special it's definitely an enjoyable 85 minutes.  Clearly once again we have stunt casting, however I do think Jenna Coleman and Aidan Turner were great choices for their respective roles. Both actors brilliantly navigate the light and fluffy whilst subtly political writing. I think they had great chemistry and the way in which they played off each other made the characters human. Similarly I felt Josie Rourke's directing was simple but effective, pulling out the highs and lows of each character and naturally exploring their emotions. My only criticism would perhaps be the amount of sitting to standing to sitting to standing. While I felt that when they wer...