Lyonesse
Kirsten Scott Thomas and Lily James star in this searingly funny new play
Lyonesse
A story for our times
Lyonesse
Kirsten Scott Thomas and Lily James star in this searingly funny new play
Why see Lyonesse?
World Premiere
Kirsten Scott Thomas returns to the West End alongside Lily James in this world-premiere production of this gripping new play from Penelope Skinner. Directed by Ian Rickson (Jerusalem), Lyonesse centres on a once-successful actress (Thomas) who has spent the last 30 years ensconced in her remote Cornish home after disappearing from the limelight under mysterious circumstances. Now ready to tell her side of the story, she enlists the help of a young film executive (James) to stage a brilliant comeback.
But who really controls the stories we tell, and how we get to tell them? Will these women own their narrative, or will it be swept away from them at any given moment?
Set to be one of the Autumn's most talked about shows, don't miss your chance to see these two magnificent performers live in this searingly funny new play.
Reviews
Customer reviews
41 reviews, average rating: (2.9 Stars)
Mike Richardson
The truth is not in the stars
It seems the reviews here are NOT in chronological order. The best (5 ★) reviews are top of the list which gives the impression to a casual reader that this is a great play about #Me Too. It is not. (My ★ rating is a lie.) Just scroll down and see the number of 1 star reviews. I saw it this week; my companion left at the interval; I stuck it out until it faded away in a whimper at the close. The cast do what they can with what comes across as a first draft, inconsistent in tone, theme and character portrayal. It's confusing, occasionally funny in a silly way, and really really tedious. The cast must be thankful it closes on 23 December and they can get home for Christmas. But i'm a man so I guess some women reviewers are more easily pleased. We all, of both genders, deserve better. Scroll down this list and check out those 1 ★ comments. ... Read more
Kate Kary
Amazing
It was amazing. Nearly 3 hours and I didn't feel a moment that it was too much. The audience was spontaneously laughing all the time. It felt that everyone in the theatre enjoyed it.
I was so confused with all those bad critics. After thinking about it, I realised that what the play did was that it raised a mirror to all those people who think that when women are expressing a different opinion are always overdramatic, or oversensitive or it is their hormones, not their minds that drives them. Well, no, women have brains. And opinions. And what you didn't like when you watched this play was your reflection in that mirror. And indeed, nothing really changed after #metoo era for women in their homes and works.
The production was also great. The casting was amazing, as expected. I especially liked Chris, she was filling the stage with her presence even on her silent moments. ... Read more
Ania Farren
This play is brilliant on many levels
This is the best dramatisation of the complex emotions women feel after marriage and having children. That feeling of being trapped even when on the surface your life is enviable. Also how hard it is to have it all..the career and the baby, constantly feeling torn and tired. And how much easier it is for men that just don’t get us, and put our emotions down to being ‘crazy’. I loved it. Deep deep messages done in an entertaining way. I laughed, gasped, sympathises. Left thoroughly entertained. All three central women in this were fabulous in every way. Ignore the critics. You are amazing. ... Read more
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