Astell & Woolf at Live Theatre, Newcastle Review
Written by Grace for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Last night’s performance of Astell & Woolf at the Live Theatre was nothing short of stunning. The production blended humour, emotion, history and powerful social commentary into a unique and deeply engaging piece of theatre that stayed with me long after it ended.
From the opening of Act One, the play immediately established its naturalistic style. Small details — from the way the characters sat, knitted, moved and interacted — made everything feel authentic and believable. The backing music was incredibly effective throughout, helping to shape the atmosphere without overwhelming the performances.
One of the strongest aspects of the production was the writing itself. The play cleverly juxtaposed older styles of speech and historical sayings with modern references and comedic moments, often breaking the fourth wall to connect directly with the audience. This made the themes feel relevant and accessible despite the historical setting.
The performances from Tessa Parr as Virginia Woolf and Phillippa Wilson as Mary Astell were outstanding. Both actors were fully committed to their characters in every possible way — from the tone of their voices to their posture, gestures and physical mannerisms. Every movement felt carefully considered, and their chemistry on stage was exceptional.
The costuming was another highlight, subtly showing the differences between the characters’ eras. The movement sequences were especially memorable, particularly the dancing scenes which symbolised unity between women across centuries. These moments felt powerful, emotional and visually striking.
One of my favourite scenes was the drunken sequence, where the characters became progressively more intoxicated. It was hilarious while still revealing deeper truths about the characters and their frustrations. The skill of the actors during this scene was genuinely impressive.
The production explored difficult and controversial topics, including sexism, religion and misogyny with intelligence and honesty. Despite the heavy themes, the play remained engaging and often very funny. Several symbolic moments stood out, including Mary being fastened by a rope to the room, which powerfully reflected restriction and oppression. The use of the character’s animal toys to create familiarity and comfort with their past lives was another thoughtful touch.
The ending was unbelievably powerful. The image of women cutting the rope together created a moving symbol of unity, freedom and collective strength. It perfectly captured the play’s central message: women supporting one another to achieve not only freedom, but greatness.
Astell & Woolf is an intelligent, emotional and beautifully performed production that balances comedy with serious themes brilliantly. It is informative, moving and incredibly relevant. A truly unforgettable piece of theatre and an easy five stars.
Astell & Woolf plays at the Live Theatre, Newcastle until 6 June 2026
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
