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Jude (Michael Lake) and Iris (Ella Muscroft) are a couple who care – both about each other and their respective careers in directing and acting. This was once a romantic and artistic match made in heaven – Jude used to imagine and write parts for Iris, whilst she fed his hopelessly fragile ego with enough validation to keep him in the theatre. As Jude’s emerging stardom becomes a tantalising possibility for the young man so desperately in need of recognition – especially from the critics – Iris despairs at the lack of jobs that the industry has afforded her. Casting agents seem to shrug her off, claiming she is too short, and unlike Jenny - Jude’s lead actress who he has a hushed history with - Iris is not blonde. As self-oriented ambition intermingles with apathy, their old love starts to sour, but does not die, as the couple come to re-learn how to truly talk.

The script, written by Ella Muscroft, is well-crafted and full of funny one-liners.


The script, written by Ella Muscroft, is well-crafted and full of funny one-liners whilst remaining tender. Bexas Barlow’s direction brought out the subtleties in the script, and the energy never dropped. Both actors were compelling, although the characters remained quite unlikeable, which was perhaps the point. Iris came across as passive and bitter, whilst Jude seemed to lack even a semblance of self-awareness and was agonising in his purported omniscience. He spoke with imperatives that occasionally sounded menacing and abusive, and exhibited a painstaking saviour complex which reduced Iris to a source of ‘invaluable material’. Yet the way these two characters – two people, ultimately in love - negotiate their opposing perspectives and seek to understand each other remained both warm and real.


Although the story flowed well, each scene was punctuated by fading blackouts, all of which felt unnecessary. The music helped to relieve openings of dead space, but these bland transitions didn’t do the story justice. The kitchen-sink set also seemed to limit the possibilities of interesting movement onstage, which perhaps would have complemented the naturalistic dialogue. Although the ending did feel a little rushed and predictable in contrast to the rest of the play, it had a beautiful symmetry to it which tied various open-ended tensions as well as conversations together.


The play has potential and feels original. As a writer, Muscroft creates room for character development. By contrast, Iris and especially Jude force each other into stasis. He claims to be capable of reading her ‘like a book’, in effect taking ownership of her mind, whilst Iris refuses to be charactered as an extension of him. I’m also not sure about the title, but as Jude rightly reminds us - whilst resisting the urge to rant - ‘What’s the point in reviews anyway?’

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this article has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

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