Mrs Dalloway at the Storyhouse Chester Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Kate M
Having been invited to view Mrs Dalloway at the Storyhouse in Chester, I entered the theatre with curiosity and an open mind. I had heard that this production is unlike any other, and I am pleased to say that the show had me captivated from the outset. I have never read the original novel by Virginia Woolf, and therefore had little understanding of what to expect. The story visits several characters and explores their perspectives and inner monologues throughout one day.
I must start by discussing the composition of the performance. So many elements are blended seamlessly into one deep and thought provoking performance. I don’t know whether to describe it as a stage show, a cabaret, a tragedy, or a stand up comedy. It was somehow all of them. Director and Creator Jen Heyes discusses developing a unique style of performance which she calls ‘cine theatre’, a unique blend of physical performance, and screened visuals. The way that this style is woven into the production is truly immersive and breathtaking. Right from the very opening sequence, beautiful cinematic visuals of the flowers in the flower shop surrounding the stage, live performance of Mrs Dalloway strolling and musing, and gentle music playing in the background. It really sets the scene for the standard of story telling ahead.
Before these visuals even begin, we are personally welcomed on to the journey by Kit Green, who plays all 16 roles in the show. As there is a lot of 4th wall breaking in this show, she first appeared on stage as herself, and gave us an introduction to the show, to herself, and to her relationship to the story. I loved how Kit’s personality just shone through, she has a sharp wit and is adept at making well-timed playful remarks, cleverly including amusing anecdotes about the local area. She was simultaneously caring and comedic. Showing her love and respect for the audience, and for the dark and serious nature of the story being told. The performance progressed very cleverly in that although the subject matter is dark, there is enough beauty and wonder in the performance to stop it feeling too heavy. She would dip in and out of character with ease, knowing how to balance the audience’s emotions.
The theatre space itself is a great size for such an intimate performance: not too large that some seats would have restricted views, and not too small that it feels cramped. The Storyhouse is a wonderfully accessible and inclusive communal space, with all the amenities you could want. A well-stocked bar serving a wide selection of food and drinks, numerous tables and access to power sockets for people using laptops, even a library!
My final thoughts on the performance: the production had such a fascinating, immersive and creative approach, and I would jump at the chance to watch more stories reimagined in this style. I do believe it would be useful to have an understanding of the story prior to watching, as that deeper understanding would leave more room to revel in the cinematography and showmanship and to truly appreciate all the nuances of the storytelling. From the acting, to the cinematography, to the use of immersive sounds and screens, the showmanship and the heartfelt inclusion of the audience. This all combines to give a performance unlike any I’ve seen before. It feels ground breaking, genuine, and so very relevant to today’s society, and id thoroughly recommend it to those who enjoy the original story.
Rating: 4/5
Mrs Dalloway is showing at Storyhouse Chester from 29th of May to the 6th June 2026. Ticket prices from £20. For more information or to book tickets visit https://www.storyhouse.com/
Telephone No: 01244 409113
Address: Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/storyhouselive
X: @StoryhouseLive
Instagram: @StoryhouseLive
Hashtag: #MrsDalloway
https://www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/mrs-dalloway/