In the small Lantern Theatre on Kenwood Park Road, the Sheffield University Theatre Company has returned with their latest piece, Hedda Gabler. Their adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 play is showing for four nights in the intimate 84-seat venue and comprises a cast of seven members telling this theatrical classic.
The story focuses on Hedda (Megan Stephens), a young woman in an unhappy marriage to the academic anthropologist Jürgen (Alex Chan). However, as Jürgen’s academic rival re-emerges (Ejlert Lövborg, played by Phoebe Cookson), their lives and the promotion Jürgen has been counting on is thrown into question. Hedda uses her old schoolfriend Thea (Iris Read) to break down Thea’s husband back to his old ways, causing him to lose his prized work they had been curating together on a night out. But despite all her efforts, will Hedda be able to secure her financially safe future with the husband she doesn’t love, or will she be forced to take more drastic measures?
I had never seen or heard the story of Hedda Gabler before seeing this production and it has very quickly captivated me to want to go and see more plays. I’m usually more musical-focused, but seeing such a striking piece makes me want more. It is also the first production by SUTCo that I’ve had the chance to see, and what a way to kick things off!
The cast is really strong. I must start with Megan Stephens as Hedda Gabler. Her voice is piercing and very striking, and you find yourself perplexed by this character, but also slightly on edge whenever she speaks. Even when she says something comical, her character gives off a threatening and dark aura which is perfect for a character such as Hedda. Immy Eyre as Judge Brack provides an interesting contrast to Hedda, as a character that may be a step behind but is always racing to catch up with Hedda. Immy manages to show both a lighter and darker side to Brack, as a character you feel compelled to doubt as the play progresses.
This play runs for three more nights at The Lantern Theatre, and is well worth a watch if you want something to do in this last week before the Easter break. SUTCo’s retelling of one of theatre’s classics is not to be missed!
Rating: ★★★★☆
SUTCo’s Hedda Gabler is running until 1st April at The Lantern Theatre. Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thelanternsheff/e-qzgrpa