Philip Ridley himself recommended that Lidless Theatre mount the tenth-anniversary revival of his instant classic Tender Napalm. The result, according to the critics, is “first-rate” and “an absolute must-see”. Check out our round-up of review highlights. Time to get booking!
The production, helmed by Lidless artistic director Max Harrison, runs at London’s King’s Head Theatre until 20 November 2021 only, with a post-show Q&A chaired by MyTheatreMates founder Terri Paddock on Tuesday 9 November.
Two lovers. A desert Island. Sea serpents. UFOs. Tsunamis. Unicorns. Atomic bombs. What is this thing…called love? This brutal yet tender two-hander explores the highs and lows of a romantic relationship through a series of vignettes ranging from the fantastical to the very basest of human emotions – raw and visceral, dangerously honest.
Jaz Hutchins and Adeline Waby are Man and Woman, with movement direction by Sam Angell, set and costume design by Kit Hinchliffe, lighting design by Holly Ellis and sound by Camille Marchadour. Zoe Weldon produces.
Tender Napalm runs from 26 October to 20 November 2021 at the King’s Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, London N1 1QN, with performances Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7pm, matinees Saturdays at 3pm. Tickets priced £10-26.50. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!
Review highlights
Spy in the Stalls – ★★★★★
Miriam Sallon: “It somehow speaks of the horror and confusion of trauma, unflinching love in the face of howling pain, and above all, it’s incredibly playful and funny and sweet.”
Everything Theatre – ★★★★
Neil Johnson: “A glorious, rollercoaster two-hander that breaks and mends your heart at pace… This is the first major London revival of Ridley’s poetic and gut-wrenching masterpiece and an absolute must-see.”
Maryam Philpott: “It’s an energetic piece, and both actors throw themselves around with abandon, offering both comedy and then, something deeper… It’s clear that Ridley’s play about disguised grief and loss has lost none of its strength.”
London Pub Theatres – ★★★★
Heather Jeffery: “Right from the start the writing from Ridley, is beautifully poetic, poignant, and often like a livid scar… Lidless Theatre are experts at showing the joy and the pain of love and wreaking every last emotion from their audiences.”
Greg Stewart: “Where Ridley’s lyrical prose goes, Sam Angell’s skillful movement direction follows… A raw breathless performance that is as captivating as the script is disquieting… This tenth-anniversary revival of Tender Napal, in the accomplished hands of Max Harrison, explores Ridley’s extraordinary script in new and meaningful ways, creating a fresh and vibrant version of the play, which is breathtakingly beautiful and deeply devastating.”
Pocket Size Theatre – ★★★★
Brian Penn: “Philip Ridley is a brilliant wordsmith with a masterful command of the English language… What elevates this play to greater heights are the outstanding turns delivered by Jaz Hutchins and Adeline Waby.”
Terry Eastham: “First-rate… I really loved it… Tender Napalm leaves the audience with much to think about and discuss as they set themselves the task of understanding the ride they have just been on. Brilliant.”
Paul Vale: “Sublimely performed revival of Philip Ridley’s modern classic… Ridley’s steadfastly theatrical play pushes the boundaries of how men and women communicate. In an era when live theatre has been stifled, this production is nimble, fresh and bursting with possibilities.”
Edward Lukes: “This expert revival of a real gem is a thrilling treat… Sam Angell’s bold work as movement director is strong. The occasionally childlike movements are particularly unsettling… Director Max Harrison has a thorough appreciation of Ridley’s brilliant text.”
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