Iphigenia in Splott ★★★★ Lyric Hammersmith Theatre | Sep 26 - Oct 22, 2022


This is a one woman show that holds the audience's attention from the moment Sophie Melville walks onto the stage. It is a bravura performance that simply takes one's breath away. The energy and passion that Melville expends in her role as the outcast, Effie, is positively astounding. She brings a conviction and commitment to the part of this belligerent and betrayed social rebel that completely rivets one's attention. However, the decision to see Effie's story as an updating of the Iphigenia myth didn't always work for us. Her development from an aggressive and streetwise, self-described "slag" and "skank," to a self-sacrificing and politically aware potential revolutionary did not quite ring true. The transformation all happened rather quickly and the explanation for her metamorphosis seemed rather perfunctory. Gary Owen has created a compelling character whose story seemed a bit shoehorned into the narrative of her Greek counterpart. Rachel O'Riordan's direction is as taut as Effie's temper, and Hayley Grindle's set is suitably desolate and evocative. Ultimately however, the evening belongs to Sophie Melville. Iphigenia in Splott is an extraordinary display of acting prowess that merits the audience's standing ovation.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Jennifer McCord.

Want to save on tickets? See our Tips page.

When, Where, Getting there:

Most Popular

King of Pangea ★★ King's Head Theatre | Jun 7 - Jul 6, 2025

Intimate Apparel ★★★★★ Donmar Warehouse | Jun 20 - Aug 9, 2025

St. Martin in-the-fields: Lunchtime Concerts ★★★★ FREE

Stereophonic ★★★★ Duke of York's Theatre | May 24 - Oct 11, 2025

Edward Burra - Ithell Colquhoun ★★★★ Tate Britain | Jun 13 - Oct 19, 2025

The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs ★★★ Kiln Theatre | Jun 13 - Jul 12, 2025

Showmanism ★★★ Hampstead Theatre | Jun 18 - Jul 12, 2025

Evita ★★★★ The London Palladium | Until September 6, 2025

Summer Exhibition 2025 ★★★★ Royal Academy of Arts | Jun 17 - Aug 17, 2025

4.48 Psychosis ★★★★ Royal Court Theatre | Jun 12 - Jul 5, 2025

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings