Anne-Marie Duff delivers a powerful performance in Helen Edmundson's new play "Some Woman" at London's Dorfman theatre, but implausible plotting undermines the drama's exploration of prejudice.
Duff plays Julie, an overextended mother, ex-wife and working woman whose life spirals after she responds to an 11-year-old boy's aggressive insult at a tube station. According to the Guardian review, her reasonable challenge to the child triggers a series of far-fetched events that land her in a legal battle and facing potential prison time.
The review notes that Duff's central performance remains wholly believable and convincing even as the plot strains credibility. The tension between her strong acting and the play's unconvincing turns creates an odd dynamic. Edmundson's drama carries powerful messages about prejudice, but underdeveloped characters and the twisty, implausible narrative movements pull against those themes and undermine the overall impact.
The result is a show that fails to achieve full suspension of disbelief, despite the quality of its lead performer.