People, Places and Things
Trafalgar Theatre
4.7/5 based on 26 reviews (read reviews)- Booking until: Friday, 9 August 2024
- Running time: 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 intermission.
People, Places and Things photos
People, Places and Things description
Delving deep into the struggles of addiction and identity, this critically acclaimed play has attracted a host of awards. Duncan Macmillan's vibrant play returns to London with an inspiring portrayal of one woman's battle to get sober and know herself.
Emma’s life is about to spiral out of control...
People, Places and Things follows the talented actress Emma whose life smashes out of control when her addiction to drink and drugs catches up with her. When she goes into rehab she struggles to confront her demons and reconcile herself with the past. As it turns out, physical addiction is only half of the battle. If you missed it last time, now’s your chance to know more about what addiction can be like.
Multi-award winning drama
A Critic’s Circle Theatre Award, an Olivier, a WhatsOnStage Award and six Drama Desk Awards speak for themselves: this production is not to be missed. Jeremy Herrin, who directed the 2015 original, also directs this new run. Denise Gough won an Olivier for her leading role and reprises it for the 2024 season.
There’s more good news. Bunny Christie reprises her innovative set design, which draws you in to give the action an extra-intimate edge thanks to the clever use of on-stage seating. This makes the emotional impact even more powerful, creating a particularly transfixing portrayal of the agonies of addiction. When you’re this close to the action, it’s like you’re actually living it.
A British playwright to reckon with
This isn’t a comfortable play, but it isn’t a comfortable subject. It’s a raw, insightful exploration from the British playwright Duncan Macmillan who gave us Lungs, Every Brilliant Thing, 1984, co-adapted/co-directed with Robert Icke (Headlong/Nottingham Playhouse, UK tour, Almeida Theatre and West End), The Forbidden Zone (Salzburg Festival/Schaubühne Berlin), Atmen (Schaubühne Berlin), Monster (Royal Exchange/Manchester International Festival) and more.
A top creative team completes the picture with costume designer Christina Cunningham, lighting designer James Farncombe, composer Matthew Herbert, sound designer Tom Gibbons and video designer Andrzej Goulding. The movement director is Polly Bennett and casting director Jessica Ronane completes the team, with original casting by Wendy Spon.
Starring
Denise Gough
Playing at Trafalgar Theatre
Age restrictions
Ages 14+.
Important information
Contains strong language and themes of addiction, depictions of substance abuse, and references to suicide. Strobe lighting effects and the smoking of herbal cigarettes will be used.