REVIEW: Mrs Dalloway Review - Storyhouse, Chester
There are some theatre productions that entertain, some that educate, and some that quietly take you by the hand and lead you somewhere unexpected. Mrs Dalloway, which premiered at Storyhouse Chester on 2nd June, firmly belongs in the latter category.
Adapted, created, co-written and directed by Jen Heyes and co-created with Olivier Award-winning performer Kit Green, this bold reimagining of Mrs Dalloway feels less like watching a play and more like stepping inside a living, breathing mind.
Set over the course of a single day in London in 1923, the story follows Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for an evening party whilst reflecting on the choices, relationships and experiences that have shaped her life. Running alongside her story is that of Septimus Smith, a traumatised First World War veteran struggling to find understanding in a society ill-equipped to support him.
What struck me most was not simply the narrative itself, but the way it was delivered. Kit was charismatic and highly skilled in their delivery, endearing the audience to journey with them in each scene.
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| Photo Credit Andrew AB |
The production seamlessly blends drama, live music, film and technical artistry to create what can only be described as an immersive theatrical experience. The staging, designed by Simon Kenny, was visually stunning, transforming the space into something fluid and dreamlike, mirroring the stream-of-consciousness style for which Virginia Woolf is celebrated.
At the heart of the production is an extraordinary performance by Kit Green, who takes on no less than sixteen different roles. The transitions were astonishingly smooth, with each character distinct and believable. At times it was easy to forget that a single performer was carrying the entire cast. It was mesmerising to witness Kit's expertise in this one-person spectacle.
Photo Credit Andrew AB
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| Photo Credit Andrew AB |
The live music deserves special mention. Rather than simply accompanying the action, it became another character within the story, underscoring moments of joy, tension, longing and grief. Combined with the projected film elements, it created an experience that felt cinematic whilst never losing the intimacy and immediacy that make theatre so powerful.
What resonated most deeply with me was how relevant Woolf's themes remain more than a century later. Questions about identity, ageing, belonging, mental health, regret, love and societal expectation continue to echo through modern life. The story asks what makes a life meaningful and whether there is ever truly a "right" choice. They are questions that linger long after the curtain falls.
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| Photo credit Andrew AB |
This is not a production that hands you all the answers. Instead, it invites reflection. It asks you to consider the memories you carry, the people whose lives have touched your own and the invisible threads tha connect us all. The invitation by Kit comes at each major point of the show, whereby the audience is invited to 'plunge into the heart of this moment..together' When the audience acquiesce, they are reminded that 'consent is the lubricant of life.' The show is a beautiful act of co-creation and shared experience. This is where the impact lies.
As I left Storyhouse, I found myself reflecting on the countless memories that shape who we become. For me, that is the mark of truly memorable theatre: when the conversation continues long after you've gone home.
Photo credit Andrew AB
Mrs Dalloway is moving, inventive, thought-provoking and beautifully executed. A stunning world premiere that honours Virginia Woolf's masterpiece whilst boldly making it its own.
"As the party culminates, Mrs Dalloway invites us to consider how our lives briefly overlap, over and over, in visible and invisible ways." And in this remarkable adaptation, that invitation feels impossible to refuse.
I invite you to witness this show for yourself so that you too can plunge into the heart of this moment for yourself and collectively with the audience that share the impactful experience with you.
Kudos to the super talented Jen Heyes, Kit Green et al for a simply stunning performance. Bravo!
Show runs 4th - 6th June. Tickets can be purchased here
PR Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
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