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Post by lt on Jul 2, 2024 11:47:36 GMT
This play follows the story of four women in an NHS Eating Disorders unit. It's the first play by Laura Waldren who won the Papatango New Writing Prize for it. I saw it last night and thought the production was excellent. I was completely absorbed in it. Really well written, acted and directed.
Even more impressive that this was from a debut playwright, yet the script seemed far more skilled than many I have seen from experienced writers. (Possibly you could take ten minutes out of the 2nd half, but that's a very minor criticism). Waldren was quoted in an interview saying Some Demon was a ‘very difficult, personal but important play to write’ about a ‘still deeply misunderstood illness’, so clearly, she knows what she's talking about.
Last night, one of the actors was ill, so Waldren (who is also an actor) had to step in. We were told she would be reading the script, but in fact although Waldren had a book in her hand, she made it seem like a prop, and I never once saw her even glance at it, so she just felt like a regular member of the cast and turned out also to be very accomplished performer.
There were lots of spare seats which seems a shame for such a strong production, it's on until the 6th July.
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Post by merrilywereadalong on Jul 8, 2024 12:49:31 GMT
Yes!! Couldn't agree more. I'm an old fart and didn't how to start a thread on this but was waiting to chime in on how much I loved this play! What an incredibly strong debut from Waldren. I was suprised this didn't get more traction or attention on here or from critics. I felt so wrapped up in these characters and their fates by the end of the evening. I think we were probably at the same performance because I also saw the playwright step in and yeah, she didn't look once down at that script. Agree also a real shame they didn't fill that theater as this play was worthy.
It's playing this week in Bristol and if anyone is in the area and able to I couldn't reccomend it highly enough. Very compelling material and acting was superb (I could go on about each actor because it truly was across the board a stellar company)
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Post by foxa on Jul 8, 2024 15:05:46 GMT
I'm glad there is a thread on this and that others enjoyed it. I saw it a couple of weeks ago and thought about starting a thread but as my feelings were more mixed, didn't in the end.
The actors were all fine or better and the writing has an admirable authenticity about it. It is long - 2 hours 45 (and I felt this particularly as there were a lot of transportation problems the evening I went adding almost an hour on my journey back) and depressing. I was rather relieved I'd gone on my own as I think it would be a hard watch for my usual companions. Ultimately, it fell into that category of plays that are worthy of being staged, but not particularly enjoyable to watch. A play like People Places Things which has some overlap in subject matter, manages to be more thrilling through its verve, theatricality and twists. Still there was a lot of talent on display in this,so not a waste of time!
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Post by barelyathletic on Jul 9, 2024 9:28:29 GMT
I caught the last performance on Saturday and thought it was stunning. Brilliantly acted, powerful, moving and funny. I went in with no real expectations but it's definitely one of the best of the year so far for me. Hopefully it will come back and find a wider audience. An astonishingly assured debut from a writer who is absolutely one to watch. If you can, catch this in Bristol. I don't think you'll regret it.
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