Anna X, Lowry Theatre Review

Reviewed by Kathryn Harrison

It’s been such a long time since I was last in a theatre so it was with great excitement and a little trepidation that a friend and I headed to The Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays to watch Anna X last night. The environment in the Lowry felt very safe, masks are encouraged, sanitiser was widely available and one way systems were in place however there is no social distancing in the auditorium. It did feel rather strange to be in such close proximity to so many people after all this time!

I wasn’t really sure what to expect with this play, I knew it was a two person play starring Emma Corrin and Nabhaan Rizwan. The description on the Lowry’s website said, “Immersed in an addictive world of front-row fashion shows, private views, and endless parties, Anna and Ariel find themselves struggling to keep up with New York’s dazzling social elite. How far will two outsiders go to construct the identities they want? And at what price?” I’d also heard the play described as “a TED talk on drugs” so I was very intrigued to say the least.

The play begins with the two main characters, Anna and Ariel meeting at a party. Visually it was a very interesting set, using cubes with digital images as a background behind the actors to set the scene. This coupled with the loud club music made it a very immersive play from the beginning. As the play continues Anna and Ariel speak directly to the audience, describing where they’ve come from and how they ended up on New York City. This direct interaction with the audience continues throughout the play. You really feel like the character is talking to you alone. There were a few minor characters throughout the play who were also played by Emma and Nabhaan which was done very well.

I didn’t realise before watching the play that it is loosely based on a true story, the story of Anna Delvey. I quickly realised this is who Emma Corrins character was based on as I has recently listened to a pod cast on BBC sounds about Anna Delvey. It was a little disappointing when I realised I recognised the character as I knew how her story ended but it was still interesting to see the fictional relationship with Ariel unwind.

The play was really interesting, it leaves you questioning the current climate of social media and influencers as well as our relationships with those around us. The acting was superb from both Emma and Nabhaan, I found them both believable and engaging. They had great chemistry as a couple each trying to portray a certain version of themselves. Obviously they are both recognisable actors, Emma for her work in The Crown and Nabhaan recently starred in the motion picture The Last Letter From Your Lover. It was an honour to see such excellent actors in such intimate performances.

All in all my return to the theatre was thoroughly enjoyable and I can’t wait to visit again.

Rating: 5/5.

Tickets cost from £15 (plus £2 transaction fee). Anna X is at The Lowry, Salford from Wednesday 11th August- Saturday 14th August, for more information or to book tickets visit https://thelowry.com/whats-on/anna-x
or call the box office on 0343 208 6000

The Lowry, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ