Matthew Dunster’s reimagining of Hedda, one of the most destructive female characters of Ibsen’s original Hedda Gabler, is a brutal and visceral examination of mental health and control.
Lily Allen in Hedda | Photo © Manuel Harlan
Lily Allen takes on the iconic tragic heroine with an icy presence. Trapped in a world which controls her whilst all the time heading for her own self-destruction.
We find Hedda on return from honeymoon, already bored with her marriage; she is drawn to a dissolute writer and blackmailed by an older man. Her choices are few as she spirals out of control.
Allen captures this with ease, a torrent of emotions causing havoc; this is an outstanding and memorable performance of such a complex role.
Brendan Coyle is a looming, threatening Brack. An MP with power, control and belief that he can keep Hedda onside. All performances are interlinked and as the relationships unravel, they reveal so much more.
No spoilers here, but it is a hard watch, a group of flawed people looking for their own gain, whilst the more sensitive and innocent are discarded without care.
Tom Austen as Jasper is systemically destroyed. Unable to function in the world he finds himself trapped in. Another excellent performance at the hands of Hedda’s brutal, metaphorical sword.
Ciaran Owens as George is an adult male child who wants everything to be perfect. To be the very best, his fragile self-importance is challenged by the brilliant Jasper, who shows him as divisive as the next.
This is a fascinating production, the dark humour crackles with intensity, whilst the stylistic features of the script keeps everyone from having a chance for silence or space.
Whilst the run is sold out, it is well worth checking for returns. This show will no doubt have a life beyond the Ustinov, which is the perfect setting for such an intense and overwhelming theatrical experience.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
