The Ustinov Studio in Bath plays host to a gripping, emotionally charged revival of Henrik Ibsen’s classic, Hedda Gabler. This production, reimagined by Matthew Dunster, delivers an extraordinary theatrical experience that leaves audiences utterly stunned.
Lily Allen commands the stage with a powerful portrayal of Hedda Gabler—a complex, manipulative, and deeply flawed woman, simmering with dissatisfaction and danger. Frail in stature yet formidable in presence, Allen’s Hedda is unforgettable. Draped in a silk jumpsuit and casually holding a vape, she glides through the interactions with other characters like a cunning predator, simultaneously captivating and unsettling.
Returning from a stifling five-month honeymoon with her uninspiring academic husband George, played by Ciaran Owens, Hedda is trapped in a life she despises. Her restlessness and cruelty set the stage for impending tragedy, especially with the arrival of Jasper, her complicated old flame struggling with alcoholism.
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Brendan Coyle delivers a chilling performance as Brack, the corrupt and lecherous politician whose manipulative pursuit of Hedda adds toxic energy to the unfolding drama. The tension between Allen and Coyle is electric, filling the intimate space of the Ustinov Studio with an oppressive atmosphere that captivates silently.
This intimate setting amplifies the play’s intensity, immersing audiences in Hedda’s dark world. It’s a rare theatrical moment—in all my years reviewing performances in Bath, I have never witnessed an audience leave in such stunned silence.
The supporting cast, including Imogen Stubbs, Julia Chan, Najla Andrade, and Tom Austen, bring depth and nuance to this haunting retelling. Dunster’s modern adaptation brilliantly captures Hedda’s hedonistic yet tragic nature—spoiled, rebellious, and desperate for control in a confining existence.
This production challenges and mesmerizes, making it clear that Lily Allen is not only a gifted singer but an actor of exceptional caliber. Hedda Gabler at the Ustinov Studio is a theatrical event not to be missed.
The show runs until Saturday, August 23.