Last night I was lucky to attend Ruth Wilson’s magnificent performance in Hedda Gabler at the National Theatre. The classic Henrik Ibsen play, Hedda Gabler, directed by Belgian Ivo van Hove and this moderm version has been updated by Patrick Marber. It is showing at the National Theatre until 21 March. Many dates are already sold out, and after the reviews in today you will need to book your seats today!
From left, Rafe Spall, Chukwudi Iwuji, Ruth Wilson and Kyle Soller. Photograph: Jan Versweyveld
Wilson’s compex character is a newlywed beauty who detests her scarcely furnished apartment and bore of a husband, Tesman (played by Kyle Soller). She perfectly conveys feelings of desperation and isolation within the loveless marriage and you cannot take your eyes off her, even when she is not speaking. Rafe Spall plays his character so well, a cruel and manipulative man who manages to get through the steely surface of the spoilt and difficult Hedda. The 2 hour, 40 minute show chronicles how their life together unfolds with friends and family (in not the happiest of ways). The Telegraph is already calling is “one of the performances of the year.”
For more info:
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/hedda-gabler