REVIEW: Rose on the Ambassadors Theatre

When coming into a theatre for a monologue, or one person-performance, I typically really feel quizzical, with a way of unease. How can a single human successfully seize and maintain a whole viewers’s consideration for over two hours? The reply, an actor with masterful ability and expertise, which is exactly what pours out of the great Dame Maureen Lipman, at the moment starring within the West End switch manufacturing of ‘Rose’ on the Ambassadors Theatre for a restricted run. 

Having starred in an internet manufacturing of the present early within the pandemic, Lipman is now charming theatre followers throughout London along with her dynamic portrayal of the title function. The authentic manufacturing of Rose was produced on the National Theatre and on Broadway in 1999.

‘Rose’ is a fictional story that follows a Jewish lady as she is sitting shivah, a week-long interval of mourning in Judaism for numerous individuals she has recognized in her life. Throughout the plot, Rose, who’s in her eighties displays on her traumatic and brutal previous, highlighting experiences that span her whole lifetime. From the devastation of Nazi-occupied Europe to the attract of the American dream, Rose shares her tumultuous journey of heartbreak, loss and love.

Usually, when reviewing a manufacturing, you may have a buffet of things to spotlight, from extravagant units to full-out showstopping choreography, however right here, the phrases stood robust and solo. Written by Martin Sherman, the textual content paints such vivid imagery and element, which was solely exploded into multicolour by the supply by Maureen Lipman. 

In quick, it felt like we have been visiting an previous buddy, sitting collectively on a wood bench, lending an ear to a whole storybook of uncooked experiences, data and rumination. At moments, I turned so engrossed in Lipman’s depiction, that I forgot I used to be watching an actor in a theatre. Instead, you develop into so immersed by the dynamic and surprising twists and turns of Rose’s story, that it isn’t till you are taking a step again, and are snapped again into actuality throughout the interval of the sheer scale and depth required to carry out such a monologue.

While at moments there have been just a few combine up with character names or particulars inside tales, at no level did it really feel as if you weren’t within the palms of a seasoned skilled. Whenever the ball was dropped, it was picked up, disregarded, and continued to roll with a brand new burst of power. 

If you’re seeking to expertise a real rollercoaster of feelings and enlightenment, then I’d completely advocate delving into the magic of ‘Rose’. This piece is a lovely melting pot of unthinkable horrors and light-hearted wit, delivered beautifully by an simple skilled. Furthermore, it holds an impactful and haunting mirror of actuality as much as the harrowing experiences of individuals in the present day.

Review by Adam Tipping 

Rating: ★★★★