Michael Yale directs this new play exploring what it means to be a woman in the 21st century by Katy Brand. Here Love London Love Culture rounds up the reviews…
The Times: ** “It’s a feminist-lite, sitcom-ish piece in which three underwritten characters are each set up to represent the womanly voice of a generation. Frankly, you would find more psychological and political insight between the covers of Cosmopolitan — and quite possibly better entertainment too.”
The Guardian: *** “Anita Dobson is memorably spruce and waspish as the tart-tongued Eleanor who seems pickled in self-loathing; Debbie Chazen captures the warmth of Suzanne, who has comfortably settled for less, and Maisie Richardson-Sellers does all she can as the unlikely Laurie.”
JohnnyFox.co.uk: ** 1/2 “Trouble is, nobody seems to believe what the characters are saying, least of all Brand herself.”
The Stage: ** “The saving grace of Michael Yale’s production is Dobson’s performance as Eleanor. Her clipped delivery and decidedly British passive aggression makes the flawed, vulnerable grandmother by far the most believable and interesting person on stage.”
WhatsOnStage: *** “while the three of them mine the comic potential in the inter-generational misunderstandings and squabbles, they also really bring out the warmth and ultimate generosity of the play. This, in the end, is 3Women‘s greatest strength, and the play is lucky to have it so served by this cast.”
Broadway World: ** “Brand’s intentions are commendable and her writing is certainly deserving of praise, but it’s not enough to create a well-rounded discussion on feminist matters.”
The Reviews Hub: *** 1/2 “The narrative itself is lean, fast-paced and peppered with pleasingly sweet touches that do more than hint at an autobiographical vein running pumping through Brand’s writing. With a more fleshed-out portrayal of women born post-2000, this might have been something very special indeed.”
Time Out: ** “feels like an unusually uneventful sitcom pilot squeezed into a theatre space, its humour reliant on confirming stereotypes, not confounding them.”
The Upcoming: **** “Highly entertaining, hilarious, perceptive and engagingly poignant, 3Women at Trafalgar Studios is a must-see.”
View from the Cheap Seat: ***** “The whole production is a delight from start to finish. This beautiful display of talent deserves to be seen.”
Evening Standard: *** “Secrets, lies and long-standing tensions are gradually exposed, and there’s a satisfying chemistry between the performers in Michael Yale’s production. Yet while there are some good jokes, the characters are mouthpieces, and that’s especially true of the youngest.”
3Women will play at the Trafalgar Studios until the 9th June. To book tickets visit ATG Tickets.