THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING      LYTTELTON THEATRE

This is one of the major theatrical events of the year! Vanessa Redgrave repeats her celebrated Broadway solo performance in its UK premiere at the National Theatre in a striking production directed by award-winning playwright David Hare. Redgrave, whose amazing stage and screen career began in the early sixties and managed to stay at the top with many uncompromising performances throughout the years, gives another spectacularly brilliant and graceful performance in Joan Didion’s debut play. Hare encouraged acclaimed screenwriter and novelist Didion to write this play based on her memoir with the same title. Didion wrote the book chronicling the events and her thoughts after her husband John Gregory Dunne’s sudden death. It was her way of exorcising her demons, expressing her thoughts and coping with her sad loss. But after her book was published Didion also lost her daughter Quintana at the age of 39 after a series of terrifying medical incidents and Hare suggested that the play should also include these events otherwise the audience should be ahead of the game knowing more than the character on stage. The result is an eloquent piece of work devoid of any sentimentality. The production is blessed with a confident and mesmerising performance from Redgrave who commands attention as soon as the front curtain drops down on to the stage. Bob Crowley’s set is very simple – just a garden chair for the actress to sit and a series of beautifully painted backdrops which fall on the ground accordingly adding to the dramatic effect of the piece. Redgrave is simply captivating and it is a real pleasure to see this incredible artist at the top of her craft. She gives a powerful and heartfelt performance that will touch even the most cynical and cold hearted. This is a master class in acting which you simply can’t afford to miss!

(Plays until the 15th of July. Box office 020 7452 3000)