The Lowry, Salford – until Saturday 19th October 2019
Reviewed by Angharad Crabtree
4****
Delightfully set in the intimate venue of the Quays theatre at the Lowry, Cordelia Lynn’s continuation of Ibsen’s play (Hedda Gabler) provides a relatable insight into a weary wife’s slow demise. The stage was designed to feel as though it was an insight into the family’s home, which almost gave the impression that we were joining them on this journey.
The real testament to this play was the fantastic quality of the acting. Hedda (played by Haydn Gwynne) portrays the role of a woman in turmoil, felt from the minute she first entered the room. George Tesman (Anthony Calf) fully fulfils his role as adoring husband and Judge Brack (Jonathan Hyde) perfectly portrays the seemingly kind but scheming old friend. Also doing an excellent job is Heddas daughter, Thea (Natalie Simpson) and their old family friend Elijah (Ifran Shamji) who both marvellously depict a strained and somewhat star-crossed relationship.
Although it proceeds with a somewhat slow start, it is apparent from the beginning that there is an eerie air about the characters with much to be revealed, brilliantly reinforced by the musical accompaniment. On their move back from America, it is clear the husband and wife couple are not entirely aligned in their ideas of happiness. The sudden reappearance of their daughter Thea and her writing companion Elijah causes tension within the household caused by resurfacing family feuds and accusations of plagiarism.
By the intermission the audience was left eager for the subtext to be unravelled, and the rising tensions to come to a head. The second half takes many unexpected turns as the tension builds, Hedda becoming gradually more erratic and unpredictable, whilst it is apparent she is suffering from the unhappiness of her ‘boring’ life. She cleverly manipulates Elijah, dragging him (somewhat willingly) into her downward spiral.
After the conclusion of the play, the audience is left feeling sad and somewhat sympathetic with Hedda, despite her seemingly cruel tendencies. It concludes leaving some questions, feeling almost that some may have been answered by the original play, as some tensions were left slightly under described. It was felt that the extent of the relationships could have been more explored, although some of the unexplained relationships gave the observer the ability to fill in the gaps themselves. Overall, a moving and thought provoking performance.