Buy cheap tickets for Matilda the Musical
A Montage of Monet

Claude Monet’s works are some of the most immediately identifiable of art history. They have transcended the private collections and elite galleries originally intended for and now wheedle their way into household after household via tea trays, towels, umbrellas and the ubiquitous tote bag.

This is a classy, stylish show as befits the legacy of one of the most enduring artists of all time

But beyond the intricate daubs which conjure bridges and haystacks, suns and snow lies the story of a man whose own private life was as messy as an artist’s palette, and whose climb to recognition as fragile as the ephemeral beauty of a water lily.

Written by Joan Greening and brought to life by Stephen Smith, A Montage of Monet is part dramatic biography, part art lecture. A niche premise perhaps, but one which, for the right audiences, is a delicious conceit. Born in Normandy in 1840, Monet‘s journey to international byword was not without its struggles. The obligatory impecuniosity, unfortunate romantic entanglements, loyal friendships and disapproving family all put in an appearance as we follow Monet from idealistic and arrogant student to grand master of the artistic movement his own painting – Impression Soleil Levant – unwittingly christened.

Greening’s script is written with admirable economy, steering away from potential sentimentality and squeezing healthy dollops of humour throughout: thus preventing the piece from becoming overly smooth and one-dimensional. Smith's Monet is himself something of an impressionistic characterisation: offering the audience a part realistic, part blurred iteration of the man which invites personal interpretation of some of his more oblique emotional utterances.

It matters little if one is unfamiliar with the particular genre or characters of this progressive art movement, as Monet's skilful storytelling offers us piquant thumbnail sketches of some of his famed friends. And, in an artistic touch which lifts the piece beyond mere talking head status, the visuals of Monet's key works, collaborators and contemporaries bring a direct insight into the beauty he strove to replicate on canvas.

This is a classy, stylish show as befits the legacy of one of the most enduring artists of all time: a man who, as the show itself reflects, prioritised art for its own sake above all else.

Visit Show Website

Reviews by Rebecca Vines

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Southern Lane

Othello

★★★★
ZOO Playground

Long Distance

★★★★
theSpace @ Symposium Hall

Can't Stop Carrying On

★★★★★
Palmerston Place Church

Eric Liddell: The Chariot of Fire

★★★★
Swan Theatre

Pericles

★★★★
Pleasance Courtyard

Spy Movie: The Play!

★★★★

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 review 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

Performances

Location

The Blurb

Monet’s paintings are world famous. We all know his water lilies, but how much do we know of the man? This new play explores his life and loves: his two marriages, the devastating death of his first wife, followed by the erratic behaviour of his lover and the desperation prompting his suicide attempt. We become privy to his thoughts on fellow impressionists and how he coped with his failing eyesight, which tormented him. It could have stopped him painting... or did it? This one-man montage of his life will be performed by award-winning actor Stephen Smith.
Buy cheap tickets for Book Of Mormon
Buy cheap tickets for Matilda the Musical

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Cirque du Soleil: Corteo
Cirque du Soleil: Corteo

From £69.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Les Miserables
Les Miserables

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Back To The Future
Back To The Future

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong
The Play That Goes Wrong

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Stiletto
Buy cheap tickets for The Elixir of Love
Buy cheap tickets for Cymbeline
Buy cheap tickets for Mary Queen of Scots
Buy cheap tickets for Why Am I So Single
Buy cheap tickets for How to Survive Your Mother
Buy cheap tickets for Marriage of Figaro
Buy cheap tickets for The Pirates of Penzance
Buy cheap tickets for The Purists
Buy cheap tickets for Oedipus starring Rami Malek and Indira Varma