REVIEW: The Smile of Her at Marylebone Theatre, 10th July - 29th August
“a brave offering from a talented actor who has a compelling story to tell” ★★★
Celebrated actor Christine Lahti brings an autobiographical one-woman-show to the Marylebone theatre about her journey through womanhood and the many challenges she has faced in a male dominated world. Unsurprisingly, she brings a passionate performance to a piece which, despite many significant and tender moments, struggles to pull the many separate anecdotes together with the required focus to take the audience on that journey with her.
On a minimal set, the play opens at the beginning of Lahti’s life. A projection of her family appears behind her and we are quickly introduced to the relationship between her mother and father which will define the tone for the rest of the evening; ‘patriarchy on steroids’, as she elegantly describes it in her programme notes. The patriarchy is ever present as we move from her upbringing through her education and to her professional life, yet the conflicts seem somewhat inconsequential. Her journey feels passive to what are quite clearly symbolic points in her life.
There are some hard hitting topics explored throughout. From sexual assault to suicide, Lahti’s life is one which deserves attention. And yet, while she handles these topics delicately and with the compassion you’d expect from someone that has lived them, she fails to direct the empathy she creates for these moments to the protagonist - herself. She becomes a passenger in her own life story which tangents too many times to command the engagement that it warrants..
Lahti does an admirable job of bringing the many characters in her play to life. Her portrayal of her mother, with her ever present cigarette in hand, is a stand out and it’s not difficult to tell who is the clear inspiration for her play. Her storytelling keeps the audience engaged even when the plot doesn’t with well controlled ranges of emotions and pacing. Although described as a one-woman-play, she is supported by the talented young Jesamin-Bleu Gibbs (alternated with Isabella Ford) in the role of her younger self who provides some creative variety to the dialogue and will undoubtedly be seen gracing many stages for years to come.
Director Melisa Annis brings the play to life combining minimalism with technology which works on occasion but feels at odds with the setting for much of the first act; the modern neon lighting giving the 1950s white tuxedo sofa a retro feel rather than the historic time piece that it is desired to be. The projector screen in the background, so often a distraction in productions, is used cleverly and sparing throughout, adding a depth and detail without being overbearing. That being said, the decision to roll footage of Lahti’s Golden Globe victory, while funny and worth watching, felt out of place and more suited to a Ted Talk than the theatre.
The Smile of Her is a brave offering from a talented actor who has a compelling story to tell. It sadly lacks the cohesion and depth to convey this story to make it as compelling a watch.
The Smile of Her at Marylebone Theatre, 10th July - 29th August
BOX OFFICE The Smile of Her at Marylebone Theatre
Christine: Christine Lahti
Girl: Jesamine-Bleu Gibbs / Isabella Ford
Director: Melisa Annis
Writer: Christine Lahti
Photography: Mark Senior
