Trigger warning: This review delves into various aspects of Prima Facie, including its depiction of sexual assault and rape.
One the plays that has had theatregoers talking this year is Prima Facie. Suzie Miller’s legal play follows the story of a criminal defence barrister, Tessa (Jodie Comer), whose world is turned upside down after she is raped as she experiences the injustice of the system in the way it treats victims of sexual assault. It is a one-woman play with BAFTA and Emmy-winning actress Jodie Comer making her West End debut in the role and she delivers a powerful performance. It’s no wonder that the play has been so successful that it is being transferred to Broadway with Comer reprising the role of Tessa. This live screening of Prima Facie was arranged by the National Theatre.
The play is written by Suzie Miller and her legal background is evident given how detailed and precise the writing is. The play premiered in Sydney in 2019, but what is nice about this production is that Miller has incorporated Comer’s Scouse background and added touches of Liverpool throughout the dialogue. Prima Facie is a play that explores the serious issue of sexual assault and how it is currently dealt with in court as victims as made to appear at fault and picked apart by defence teams. It is also a play about class as Tessa’s working class background and outlook contrasts greatly with the people she socialises with. Where Tessa has had to work extremely hard for her career, it seems almost expected of her privately educated peers that they would fall into a similar line of work.
The play starred Jodie Comer as Tessa and she completely embodies everything about the character from the moment she steps on stage. Comer has blown the world away thanks to her impeccable acting on film (The Last Duel and Free Guy) and television (Doctor Foster and Killing Eve) and now she dominates the stage. Tessa is an ambitious woman who works her way up to a successful career and along with it, finds herself socialising with the middle and upper classes. This is a far cry away from the character’s Scouse working class upbringing. What is nice about Comer’s portrayal is that it gives the actress the chance to embrace her natural accent throughout. Although the play is a one-woman show, the scene in which Tessa is raped feels extremely explicit and graphic because Comer’s performance is so intense.
The music by Self Esteem, credited as Rebecca Lucy Taylor is exceptional and feeds into the claustrophobic nature of the courtroom and the tragic assault that Tessa experiences. Before the live screening began, we were shown an exclusive performance of Self Esteem’s song “I’m Fine”. The message of the song runs through the play and is a fitting anthem for the play. Taylor’s unique sound and style is evident throughout the score for Prima Facie. The opening track “The Winner” backs
Prima Facie is a play that is difficult to watch due to the subject matter, but it is an extremely important play for the same reason. Miller’s play provides insight into the injustice in how the system deals with sexual assault cases and how wrongly the victims are treated. We see Tessa at both sides of system, starting in her role as a criminal defence barrister and using the techniques that the law permits, but in the second half of the play, she is victim to those same tactics and realises how the justice system does not deal with these cases in a fair manner.
What did you think of Prima Facie? Let me know in the comments below!
The third installment of Steve McQueen’s revolutionary Small Axe anthology series is Red, White and Blue chronicling the career of Leroy Logan, a forensic scientist turned police officer who aims to tackle racism in the system by encouraging more non-white people to join the force. His goal to fix the system does not come without challenges as his colleagues are openly racist and his own friends and family look down on him for joining the force. Whereas the previous two films in the series have looked at how black people were treated from their side explicitly and what Red, White and Blue does is show how black people were treated from within the police force itself.
Just as McQueen explores the racism at the hands of the police in the previous two films, we get an even more intense and first-hand perspective through PC Logan’s point of view. Despite excelling as an officer, his unwillingness to accept the racist treatment handed out by his colleagues costs him promotions and eventually leads to endangerment when they ignore Logan’s pleas for backup when he is pursuing and attacked by an armed suspect. Whether he is part of the force or not, Logan is treated as a suspect despite having not committed any crimes just as he was searched in his school uniform as a child. McQueen only covers the beginning of PC Logan’s career rather than presenting a full span of his incredible achievements but it works because we really get into the brutalityand prejudice that he faced when he initially joined. If McQueen had decided to do a full blown biopic then maybe certain significant events would have been overlooked which would undermine PC Logan’s struggle to have his voice heard by a force that historically doesn’t wish to hear it.
John Boyega’s lead performance as PC Leroy Logan is fantastically layered. Aiming to change the system from the inside out, Leroy experience racial attacks from his white colleagues at the force and hatred from the black community who view him as a traitor for joining the police. With Boyega being a huge advocate for the anti-racist movement, it is a clear match in heaven for McQueen to work with him. Honestly, it’s a collaboration I have been wanting for years and it paid off. Boyega is such a charismatic actor that his success in the Star Wars films can make people overlook his range but he is stellar and carries the film on his shoulders. Showcasing the building frustration and conflict that PC Logan felt as he was attacked from both the police who believe he should accept their racism and those in the black community who view him as a traitor. The scene in which he confronts his colleagues in the locker room after discovering abuse scrawled on his locker is hugely intense and marks a turning point in which Logan becomes more active and vocal about his goal to end racism within the force.
The scene in which PC Logan pursues the armed suspect is an amazingly shot scene. A single running shot showing Logan making his way through an industrial printing factory floor by himself highlights the problems that he faced perfectly. He apprehends the suspect alone after requesting backup numerous times but does not receive the support of his fellow officers. Whereas Logan is indirectly punished for speaking out against their racism, the other officers do not face punishment for abandoning him in the field despite being a street away. This scene hammers home how Logan had to build himself up without the help and support given to his white coworkers. It’s a scene of little dialogue except when Logan is desperately asking for help. Still he pushes forward and the tension builds and builds until he is attacked and manages to arrest the perpetrator.
Red, White and Blue may not have received as much coverage as Mangrove and Lovers Rock have but it deserves a viewing just as much. Telling the story of a man who introduced important change within the police force and encouraged new rules for how people of colour were treated by the police is something that has been grossly overlooked by the media at whole. Steve McQueen is telling these stories now so other people can take inspiration from their struggles and achievements and make their own changes.
What did you think of Red, White and Blue? Let me know in the comments below!
Red, White and Blue is available to view on BBC iPlayer now!
The show that everyone has been talking about at the minute is a series that revolves around chess. The Queen’s Gambit follows female chess player, Beth Harmon, and her quest to become the world’s best chess player period. The show was created by Scott Frank and Allan Scott and based on the 1983 novel of the same name by Walter Tevis. A lot of people have commented that the show has made a boring subject amazing but I beg to differ. I think it’s a brilliant show enhanced by an interesting and unexpected topic. As someone who used to play chess when they were little, it is an understatement to say that the competitions were very much male-dominated and there was more anticipation for the male categories than the females. Beth is subject to much belittlement and astonishment from her male peers. Even when at the top of her game, she is looked down upon by the grandmasters and champions.
To assume that the show is just about chess is to undermine it completely. Beneath the surface, we encounter themes of gender inequality, gender roles, alcoholism, drug addiction and loss among many more. In a way, all of these issues are brought to the light through chess and specifically Beth’s journey in the game. From the very beginning, Beth is an outsider as she doesn’t enjoy the same activities to her counterparts. The moment she sees the orphanage custodian, Mr Shaibel (Bill Camp), playing chess in the basement, she is curious and eager to learn. This curiosity then turns into an obsession fueled by tranquilliser drugs the orphanage controversially gives its pupils. Beth becomes a product of a traumatic childhood and her inability to lose gracefully and overanalyse hinders her at important moments in her career. Because of her reluctance to conform to societal ideals, she is often reclusive and isolated but all the more determined to climb her way to the top. The shows structure does a great job at presenting her challenges and obstacles.
Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance as Beth is nothing short of revolutionary. She is so captivating that every expression and word leaves the audience waiting with anticipation. Beth is one of the most complex female characters that TV has seen in a while. Academically brilliant and naturally talented at chess, she also struggles with drug and drink addiction as well as an unhealthy obsession with the game. Chronicling her life from her time in an orphanage after her mother’s tragic suicide to her adulthood in which she travels the world playing grandmasters in a bid to become one herself, The Queen’s Gambit is the most exciting and riveting TV show to air this year. From a curious novice to a strategic professional, Beth’s story is one of aspiration and tragedy as her career’s incline also results in an inner downwards spiral. Despite her flaws, the audience still roots for Beth and that’s mainly due to Taylor-Joy’s ability to really dig deep in her characterisation.
In support, Marielle Heller does a stunning performance as Beth’s adoptive mother, Alma Wheatley. Alma is a sickly woman who quickly gages onto Beth’s potential as a chess prodigy and assists her in her first bout of tournaments. I am very familiar with Heller’s work as a director (you can read my previous post on her films here) but haven’t encountered her in an acting role before. An important character in the first half of the series, Alma is just as flawed as her daughter. Leaving Beth to her own devices most of the time as she succumbs to frequent sickness and alcoholism, Alma is both a friend and mother, although the latter comes later as Beth begins to succeed in professional chess. Watching the intense moments between Beth and Alma makes for some of the highlights in the show as well as Alma’s ability to bring out the more human side of Beth.
In a year full of unfortunate events piled on more unfortunate events, The Queen’s Gambit is the show we all need for a good dose of quality television. I predict that Taylor-Joy will be the one to beat at the Golden Globes and hopefully will even receive Emma recognition as well. The fact that it has received overwhelming praise from female chess players, including grandmaster Jennifer Shahade, is only proof of the impeccable details and emotion that has been poured into every second. Without a doubt, The Queen’s Gambit is my favourite new show of the year and I don’t think it will be beaten.
The Queen’s Gambit is available to watch on Netflix and I strongly recommend you catch it if you haven’t seen it yet.
The 21st century has seen an abudance of TV shows that have garnered iconic status such as The Sopranos (first aired in 1999 but majority was released this century), Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones. These shows are known for their big budgets and award sweeps season after season. It comes as no surprise that among all of these huge shows that a few are swept under the rug. None have gone under the radar so much as the brilliant animated Netflix series Bojack Horseman. Set in an alternative universe where animals have human characteristics, the show follows the titular Bojack, a “has-been” actor living in Hollywood who is wanting to make a comeback as he deals with his fading star status. Spanning six seasons with the final season split into two parts, Bojack Horseman was nominated for several Emmys but was never the winner which is a huge shame, particularly for its later seasons.
As I have recently decided to start writing on some TV shows I enjoy, I thought it makes sense to write about one my favourites. Bojack Horseman isn’t afraid to discuss heavy topics such as sexism and assault in the entertainment industry and abortion. It’s relevance to real life is what makes it fantastic considering it is an animated show that incorporates a universe populated by humans and human-like animals. The main cast consists of Will Arnett in the titular role, Aaron Paul as his housemate Todd, Amy Sedaris as agent Princess Carolyn, Paul F. Tompkins as celebrity Mr Peanutbutter and Alison Brie as writer, Diane Nyugen and each character is developed brilliantly through the show’s run.
Here are my top 5 episodes:
5) “Fish Out of Water”, Season 3
Kicking off the ranking is this fun episode from the third season. We see Bojack venture underwater for a film festival where Secretariat is showing. The world underwater differs to Hollywood and Bojack as usual struggles to adhere by their rules and regulations, quickly finding himself lost in the process. After successfully returning a lost baby seahorse to his father, Bojack feels jealous that he wasn’t afforded a normal family life as he ventures back to the festival. He tries to rekindle a friendship with director, Kelsey, but his note is blurred and ruined due to being underwater. One thing that the writers do well is incorporating outer social problems into the show so in this episode, seeing how different cultures are to be respected is brought in. In a great move, the episode is predominantly silent because Bojack can’t talk with his airtight helmet on. At first, Bojack doesn’t understand what to do and is frustrated that he can’t communicate but by the end of episode he does understand and it is all capped off with a brilliant gag at the end where there is a button on his helmet that allows him to speak.
4) “The View from Halfway Down”, Season 6
The next entry on my ranking is the penultimate episode of the show’s final season. As Bojack has to face the consequences of his actions, he finds himself in a near-death situation and spends the episode in purgatory where he is faced with various important figures from his past. The result is a surreal half hour filled to the walls with symbolism and realisation as Bojack goes back and forth on whether to go through the white door that lingers on a stage, waiting for him. One by one, each person performs on the stage and goes through the door. The episode feels like closure of this chapter in Bojack’s life as he has to choose whether to go through the door or wake up and face his punishment. Rounding up six seasons of the show seems like a heavy task in just half an hour but this episode is so bizarre and deconstructed that the writers don’t have to follow the rules and instead the audience delves deep into Bojack’s conscience. The standard of Bojack Horseman has been so high and this episode does such a good job of saying farewell.
3) “That’s Too Much, Man!”, Season 3
The third entry in this list is the second episode from the third season. Up to this point, the show doesn’t really delve into a serious tone of darkness but the penultimate episode of season 3 is a turning point. Sarah Lynn, the child star of Horsin’ Around, has been sober for 9 months and her career is thriving. Bojack calls Sarah Lynn up and invites her on a bender where he provides her with alcohol and drugs. The two of them go down a rabbit hole of blackouts and flashbacks. It seems as though the drug use and drinking will never end, even when they begin to snort heroin. What then follows is a brilliant changing of pace as the two friends go to the Planetarium and Sarah Lynn succumbs to a heroin overdose and dies. As Bojack repeatedly says her name and the screen goes black, the seriousness of what has happened changes the entire show for the following seasons as Bojack’s actions have finally resulted in death. It’s an episode that always leaves me speechless because of its horrifying ending. As Bojack and Sarah Lynn look at the cosmic display in the Planetarium, it feels as though they have their whole lives ahead of them and that they may change, the way we see Sarah Lynn slowly die is heartbreaking.
2) “Free Churro”, Season 5
My second place on this list goes to the midpoint episode of season 5 that sees Bojack delivering the eulogy at his mother’s funeral. That’s literally what the episode consists of. Bojack at the podium delivering a monologue. What puts this as second on my ranking is how brilliant the script is. Will Arnett’s performance is fantastic as we watch Bojack pick apart his mother’s last words as he tries to discuss various meanings as well as his usual rambling. With its use of one location and one shot, it would have been easy to assume that this episode would be boring and full of exposition but it is actually the opposite. The brilliance of the writing comes from what Bojack doesn’t say as the audience is forced to read between the lines. Much like the “Fish Out of Water” episode, the best joke in this episode is that Bojack has been delivering his eulogy in the wrong room and has opened up about his past to a room full of geckos.
1) “Time’s Arrow”, Season 4
To fans of Bojack Horseman, this probably doesn’t come as a surprise. Season 4’s penultimate episode rounds up the story on Bojack’s mother, Beatrice, who has been battling with dementia throughout the season. In this final segment, we see Beatrice meet Butterscotch, an aspiring writer and run off with him, much to her father’s despair. Finding herself pregnant and excited to see what a new life in San Francisco would bring the couple, Beatrice’s dreams are soon crushed as we fast forward some years to see her and Butterscotch evolve into the bitter, heavy drinkers that the show has portrayed them to be. What this episode does is conclude Beatrice’s journey as her dementia begins to deteriorate and actually ties together the background story in a way that isn’t forced. What comes through in this episode is Beatrice’s resilience which slowly turns into anger and regret. Sadly, we see her turn into the person she never wanted to be as she takes out her frustrations on Bojack. She also blackmails their maid, Henrietta, to get an abortion after she falls pregnant with Butterscotch’s child by giving her the money to get into nursing school. It’s a difficult episode to stomach but that’s because Bojack Horseman is a show thay dares to look into the dark side of the human (or animal) condition.
It goes without saying that Bojack Horseman is not the easiest show to watch and has not been without controversy for Alison Brie’s performance as Diane Nyugen, an American-Vietnamese writer but it is a show that isn’t afraid to push the conversation. Having watched the show through several times, I find that I notice new details and joke pay offs each time that makes it a fun and rewarding watch. It is definitely one of my favourite shows and I would recommend anyone to give it a go.
What do you think of my list? Which episodes of Bojack Horseman are your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!
One of my favourite anime shows of all time is the 90s classic Sailor Moon. The original anime based of the hugely successful manga by Naoko Takeuchi ran from 1992-1995 for five seasons following teenager Usagi Tsukino who is an underachieving schoolgirl by day and a crime-fighting hero by night. Along with the other Sailor Senshi who are introduced as the series goes on. The five seasons are known as Sailor Moon, Sailor Moon R, Sailor Moon S, Sailor SuperS and Sailor Moon: Sailor Stars (also known as Sailor Stars), respectively. One of my favourite shows for a long time, Sailor Moon is one of the most popular animes in the world and for good reason. It’s relatable look into the life of teenage girls as they deal with relationships and friendships while also having to pass school exams and think on their futures.
There are times when the show hasn’t dated well (insert the weight-shaming episode here) but overall, the show was pretty progressive considering it was made in the 90s with children being the target demographic. I say this because there are a slew of LGBT relationships throughout the show’s run from first season villains Zoisite and Kunzite to the third season’s addition of Sailor Uranus and Neptune who are in a relationship. Also, the depictions of death and loss grow more violent as the show goes on to reflect the greater threats as well as acknowledging that the audience has grown up alongside the show and its characters.
With its wide array of characters with distinct personalities, there aren’t a lot of shows like Sailor Moon around and it’s that resonance that has made it a pioneer of the Magical Girl genre within anime. With a staggering run of 200 episode, I have decided to rank my top 5 favourite in order which was insane given how many there was to choose from.
Here are my top 5 episodes:
5) “The Dark Queen: Birth of the Black Lady”, Sailor Moon R
The first episode to kick off this ranking is one from the show’s second season. Chibiusa has been manipulated by Wiseman into believing that no one loves her, conjuring up memories from Crystal Tokyo. Using her sadness and anger, Wiseman transforms Chibiusa into Black Lady. Given how the relationship between Usagi and Chibiusa is extremely turbulent during this season, it’s hard to watch as the former is unable to heal Black Lady. The foundations of their growing relationship seemed to have been wholly crumbled by Wiseman’s tricks and now Black Lady is another obstacle in the Sailor Senshi’s way to saving the world. All through Sailor Moon R, Chibiusa is seen as extremely stubborn but she is also a child and this is what makes her emotions easily swayed when she is constantly brainwashed into thinking she isn’t loved. Black Lady seems to be that culmination of negativity brewing inside Chibiusa that she feels against herself.
4) “Shadow of Destruction: The Messiah of Silence Awakens”, Sailor Moon S
The first of two Sailor Moon S episodes to make this ranking, this episode takes place later in the season and sees the second arc come to a brilliant climax. We see the innocent Hotaru succumb to the darkness that has ruled over her through the season and the revelation that she is the feared Sailor Senshi and the last to be revealed, Sailor Saturn. Having captured Chibiusa, the Mistress of Darkness has ruled over Hotaru and takes Chibiusa’s heart crystal and consumes it. Hoping that the light inside Hotaru will win and she will transform to Saturn is diminished and we see her change into the evil Mistress 9 instead. What puts this episode on my list is the heartbreaking betrayal that the darkness has made Hotaru carry out on Chibiusa. Their blossoming friendship is one of the highlights of this season and seeing the frail Hotaru succumbing to darkness is a sad turn of events. The strength of the evil seems to be hugely advanced as well and appears that it will overwhelm the Sailor Senshi. Hotaru has now become a figure to be feared rather than sidelined.
3) “Usagi’s Love: The Moonlight Illuminates the Galaxy”, Sailor Moon: Sailor Stars
It would be insane not to put the final episode of the whole show on here. Rounding of a fantastic 200 episodes in its 5 season run, the whole saga concludes with Eternal Sailor Moon defeating Chaos Galaxia. This episode sees Sailor Galaxia falls under the evil entity Chaos’ control thus becoming Chaos Galaxia and everyone except Sailor Moon is lost. Sailor Moon transforms into Princess Serenity and manages to defeat Galaxia by refusing to fight and holding onto her hand until she has rid herself of Chaos. Despite no violence, it’s still intense and action filled as Galaxia struggles to fight the darkness within. The series is rounded off nicely afterwards as Usagi is reunited with Mamoru and recounts the voice-over thay we were so used to from the first season when she introduces herself as the original theme song plays. Despite the Sailor Stars anime differing hugely from the manga, I think the ending ties everything up perfectly combining the more mature Usagi that has developed through the seasons with the more nostalgic and innocent Usagi we were first introduced to in episode 1.
2) “Death of the Sailor Guardians: The Tragic Final Battle”, Sailor Moon
The penultimate episode of the first season definitely comes as a shock to those who watch the show from the beginning. The Inner Senshi venture to the North Pole where Queen Beryl resides with her minions in a bid to end her plans once and for all. What happens next is a sequence that threatens to shatter the foundations of Sailor Moon’s strength that she has been building since the very first episode. One by one, the Sailor Senshi are taken out by minions until Sailor Moon is the last one left. It’s not so much that is alone that is sad, it’s the explicitly and way that the other four are killed. As the others are more mature than Sailor Moon, they understand and acknowledge the sacrifice that they must make to save the world and particularly when Rei is killed in a huge blaze, we see vacancy in Sailor Moon’s eyes. The hopelessness she feels as she staggers on threatens to undo all of the hard work that she has achieved making it one of the most intense sequences in the entire anime’s run.
1) “The Death of Uranus and Neptune: The Talisman Appears”, Sailor Moon S
By far my favourite Sailor Moon episode from my favourite season, the structure and execution of this midpoint episode is so unique and brilliant. Following the Witches 5’s failing search for the talismans, the story climaxes with the revelation of two of the three mysterious items. In a shocking twist, the two talismans are found in the hearts of none other than Sailor Uranus and Neptune and this episode is as heartbreaking as it gets. We see the Sailor Scouts in their most iconic scene in the anime as they hold hands and reflect on their mission and its importance. What follows is them agreeing to meet Death Buster, Eudial, who lures them to a cathedral where the showdown begins. The scene in which Neptune escapes a trap and tries to save Uranus who has a gun pointed to her heart is fantastically drawn. What is unique about this episode compared to other episodes is that the main focus is on Uranus and Neptune but also the structure differs. Rather than delving straight into the action, the first half is more of a character study into how Uranus and Neptune are outside of the Senshi. It’s a rare insight into their relationship that is slower paced and then the second half deals with that fast paced action sequence in the cathedral.
So that’s my episode ranking! As you can see, none of my favourite episodes are from Sailor Moon SuperS. It is my least favourite season due to its focus on Chibiusa and the absence of the Outer Senshi but there are a few good episodes in there, particularly “Mirrors on Dreams: The Amazon’s Last Stage”. I think the show thrives when it explores those moments of hopelessness and showing the characters pushing themselves past their limits. Overall, Sailor Moon S is my favourite season because it pushes the envelope with the introduction of Sailor Neptune and Uranus as well as seeing Usagi mature.
What do you think of my choices? Which Sailor Moon episode is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!
Over the past few years, live viewings of National Theatre productions have increased in popularity with sold out screens all over the globe. Admittedly, I have never attended (mainly due to the price) but when I saw that Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s brilliant one-woman show Fleabag was going to be screened live from the Wyndham’s Theatre, I knew I had to go. As an avid fan of the show and Waller-Bridge, I have been counting down the days to see this and I was wasn’t disappointed. Fleabag follows a young woman as she navigates a life filled with heartbreak, relationships and a lot of sex. She is the sole owner of a guinea-pig themed café after her best friend, Boo, accidentally-on-purpose commits suicide. This run of performances marks Waller-Bridge’s last venture as her iconic creation and all tickets sold out within minutes making it one of the most anticipated theatre trips of the year. Sadly, I was unable to get tickets but I took this opportunity to see it immediately as I knew I would regret it instantly.
Fleabag herself is gritty to the extreme. She’s unfiltered, unapologetic and always thinking and talking about sex but she’s also complex, smart and relatable. I think this is why the character is universally loved. The character is a brilliantly rounded portrayal of the 21st century woman. A true modern feminist hero (even if in one hilarious slip, she admits that she would trade 5 years of her life for the “so-called perfect body”). She’s brutally honest, hilarious and riddled with bad habits such as excessive drinking, smoking and masturbating while her partner sleeps beside her. It’s as if Fleabag breaks every rule in the book and is a walking taboo.
Waller-Bridge’s script and Vicky Jones’ direction are impeccable. Every move and expression is calculated and enhancing the dialogue. It’s compact and tight with every segment executed perfectly. The setting is minimalist to the extreme, Fleabag and a chair in centre stage but the performance Waller-Bridge brings is anything but. Dressed in a red jumper and jeans, Waller-Bridge transports us to various locations around London, acting out different characters such as her sister, a job interviewer and regular café customer, Joe. I was interested to see if I would be as invested when watching it on a screen rather than in the theatre itself and I found myself transfixed. The camera work was brilliant and the sound was impeccable.
Compared to the BBC series, the stage production is grittier and sadder than its counterpart. The first episode covers the show with the revelation of the first season finale so a lot is added into the TV series. Fleabag seems even more unfiltered and unhinged in the stage production which I didn’t think was possible and it was great to see some familiar moments that I recognised from the show.
I wasn’t too sure what to expect but it was a brilliant experience and I hope to go to many more National Theatre productions. The atmosphere was great and everyone in the theatre audience and cinema audience were completely invested in her story. I expected to laugh which I did in abundance but I wasn’t expecting to cry as much as I did. A heartbreaking segment with Fleabag and Hilary, the café’s mascot guinea pig, is horrific to watch and brought an array of gasps and tears from both sets of audiences. There’s an encore screening in October and I recommend that you book tickets as soon as possible. It’s a brilliant and refreshing piece of theatre that shows how a simple production can create a complex experience.
