Find out what is being said about the London premiere of Joshua Harmon’s autobiographical play, running at the Hampstead Theatre until the 4th July.
Broadway World: “The psychological meat of the relationships between the three characters is sturdy enough to stand on its own. Harmon has much potential here to work with and clearly has the willingness to take a zoom lens to his own family, but he needs to be less sidetracked by innovations to the form along the way.”
The Guardian: “Self-aware of its storytelling, We Had a World is pieced together by rummaging through fragments of memory and memorabilia, as if an attic’s worth of belongings has been shaken up and neatly arranged in a row. This is a quiet exercise in understanding one family and it’s no stretch for others to relate to this grappling with disappointment and mistakes, and the question of whether it’s ever too late to make amends.”
The Reviews Hub: “The narratorial meta-theatrics often irk, and the conflict can be repetitive, but Harmon delivers plenty of laughs and gets squabbling families spot-on. Emotionally, the play packs a hefty punch, too, and you may struggle to hold off on tears late on.”
Adventures in Theatreland: “However, We Had a World is a nuanced and compelling memory play which is sure to resonate with audiences.”
Theatre & Tonic: “The themes at the heart of We Had A World are compelling, but the play often rushes past moments that might have carried greater emotional resonance. Human relationships—particularly those between parents and children—are rarely straightforward. Even when profound hurt exists, moments of tenderness and affection often survive alongside it, making those bonds all the more difficult to understand and handle. Had the play lingered longer in such spaces, the audience might have felt more deeply the sense that these characters really once had a world of their own. “
West End Best Friend: “We Had a World is another fine production in what is proving to be a remarkably varied season at this always enterprising and welcoming theatre. See it for three remarkable performances in an intelligent production which understands and negotiates this complex web of fiction and biography.”
London Theatre 1: “Harmon’s sharp, witty script is unmistakably New York, with echoes of Woody Allen and Neil Simon permeating the dialogue. Although these are specifically Jewish New Yorkers, the themes of family, love and the chaos that accompanies both are universal. “
All That Dazzles: “Quite often, shows have one standout actor. Sometimes, there is more than one. We Had A World has three of them, which is made all the more impressive given that it makes up 100% of the cast. Wildly impressive acting heightens Joshua Harmon’s intimate and frequently relatable play.”
The Spy in the Stalls: “‘We Had A World’ is complex and compelling – a masterfully executed piece. Catch it while you can.”
North West End.com: “Tight direction by Josh Seymour ensures there’s barely a dip in the 100-minute show that whips along with no interval. Sarah Beaton’s Design is minimal, modern and almost imperceptible, like one of the New York galleries frequented by Rennee and her awestruck grandchild. It’s a highly entertaining ride, largely thanks to three actors who nail the assignment with gripping performances.”
To book tickets visit: https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2026/we-had-a-world/