Helena Halme Author

Nordic Fiction with a hint of Noir and Romance

  • Books
  • Blog
  • Join My Launch Crew
  • New Novel Sneak Peek
  • Contact me
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Google+

London Life: Becky Shaw at The Almeida

February 12, 2011 by Helena Halme 2 Comments

Well, my wish to have a jolly play next came true. Becky Shaw, a modern, witty play by Gina Gionfriddo, was just what I needed. (Don’t be fooled by the poster above)

The play, which is set in New York and Boston among other places, centres around the fall-out from a father’s death in a dysfunctional family. Sounds gruelling? But the play is above all a comedy, and a sharp and quick-witted one at that.

The marvellous Daisy Haggard, who’s currently starring in BBC’s ‘Episodes’, in the title role is as gormless as she is intense, totally meeting the challenge of being the desperate, funny singleton a la Bridget Jones.

Daisy Haggard

Haydn Gwynne (I remember her best from ‘Drop the Dead Donkey’) as the cynical mother of the family is also excellent, but the performance I most enjoyed was by David Wilson Barnes, who as the dry, realistic, un-emotional step-brother of the highly-strung Suzanna (Anna Madeley) really hit the mark, igniting many belly laughs from the audience. ‘My date is Amish?’ he comments on hearing Becky doesn’t own a cell phone.

From left to right: Anna Madeley, Vincent Montuel (Andrew) and Daisy Haggard

David Wilson Barnes who I find myself having a tiny, tiny crush on this morning (though not my type at all!)

Haydn Gwynne

In spite of the gags, the play still tried to examine the state of the modern family and marriage. Here I must say it failed, trying to go deep into the psyche of the characters in a play, so littered with excellent comic dialogue, is not advisable in my view. It goes too near TV sitcom territory, which this play really didn’t need to do. Ignoring the final scenes where attempts at some seriousness met with a stone-walled silence from the audience, the majority of the play was incredibly hilarious and with the casts’ unfaltering American accents made a throughly enjoyable night out at the theatre.

Can’t wait for Children’s Hour later today, though after this weekend I think I might need to got to some kind of clinic to dry out from an overdose of art – the gym perhaps? Now that’s an idea…

You may also like:

Helena’s Best Reads: The Defenceless by Kati Hiekkapelto Default ThumbnailHow I came to be in England – Part 32 Default ThumbnailDavid Nicholls at England’s Lane Books Default ThumbnailHow (Not) to Have a Night at the Theatre

Comments

  1. Elvira says

    October 8, 2022 at 8:49 pm

    By the way,Haydn Gwynne is my favourite actress.I really liked how she played Camilla in Windsors!
    I also enjoy listening to her songs. Her voice is so strong and nice, I even sing “You can always count on me.” In the shower!

    Reply
  2. Elvira says

    October 8, 2022 at 9:01 pm

    By the way, Haydn Gwynne is my favourite actress.I really liked how she played Camilla in Windsors .
    I really like her voice, it is so strong and nice.I even sing “You can always count on me” in the shower!

    Elvira.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Free Story for my Readers Group only!

Read an Exclusive First Chapter

NEW

Find out more

new

View Book

Alliance of Independent Authors /

Free Exclusive Bonus Chapter

looking for the self publishing coach?

Follow me on Instagram

Lovely lunch @eat17restaurant with this lot. 
❤️🥰🥗
#familytime #bankholidaymonday #walthamstow #northeastlondon #eastlondon #londonlife
Best oat latte in town. ☕️❤️ #coffeetime Best oat latte in town. ☕️❤️

#coffeetime #coffeeshop #writersofinstagram #sundayvibes #londonlife #takingiteasy
London is in bloom! These are just the roses I spo London is in bloom! These are just the roses I spotted on my way to the shops this morning. 🌹🌺❤️
Have you read the first “sensational” (Netgall Have you read the first “sensational” (Netgalley) novel in the Love on the Island series? 
🧡📘🧡
After her son’s tragic death, Alicia and her husband travel to the Nordic Islands where Alicia was raised. As secrets are revealed, can she find a way to embrace life and love once more? 
👇Go here to find out more 👇
books2read.com/The-Island-Affair
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Me On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget
Alliance of Independent Authors /

writing and publishing tips

Read Exclusive First Chapter

free exclusive bonus chapters

Copyright © 2023 · Author Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in