Top Girls, National Theatre - ★★★★ - Until June 22, 2019


What is a woman's place? In the 1980's Marlene is carving out her place in the world of work as she becomes a female managing director of her company. This is done in the context of Margaret Thatcher's controversial assumption of a primary role in British politics, and the play's first act places Marlene's decision in the context of a number of historical women who have made enormous sacrifices to attain or maintain their place in the world. Subsequently, we are led to understand the sacrifices that Marlene herself has made as we see the place she has come from. The fact that she herself is now assuming the lead position in a placement agency for women is a dark irony in a play that shimmers with irony. While the narrative sequence can make the play challenging and the ending seems rather understated, this is a beautifully staged production with a cast that never misses a beat. Each of the eighteen women in the ensemble is outstanding and strikes just the right note. It seems unfair to single anyone out, but special kudos to Katherine Kingsley, Amanda Lawrence, Lucy Black and Liv Hill.

 Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until June 22, 2019
Mon 7:30 pm ~ Apr 8, 15, 22.  May 6. Jun 10. 
Tue 7:30 pm ~ Apr 16. May 7. June 11. 
Wed 7:30 pm ~ Apr 17. May 8. June 12.
Thu 7:30 pm ~ Apr 18. May 29. June 20.
Fri 7:30 pm ~ Apr 5, 12. May 3, 31. June 7, 21.
Sat 2:15 pm & 7:30 pm ~ Apr 6, 13, 20. May 4. June 18, 22.
National Theatre, Lyttleton Theatre
Nearest tube: Waterloo
https://nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/top-girls
Map & Location: Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX, UK

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