Death Belles at The Hope Theatre Review
Written by Eloise for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Content warnings: strong language, discussion of sexual assault and rape, discussion of violence and death, themes exploring terrorism, violence against women and children, and racism.
Death Belles is a show consisting of four monologues ranging between 10-20 minutes each. Each following four different female characters through the most dramatic and difficult times in their lives, linked only by their names – Poppy, Lily, Rose, and Bella. The monologues, written by Annie Power, are all absolutely excellent and allow each actor a wonderful dramatic arc and journey - these are the characters which women get into theatre to play!
The first monologue delivered by Niamh O'Donnell follows a young Scottish woman living in the Highlands as she loses her family in a freak storm. O’Donnell is phenomenal and extremely believable as Poppy - her ability to visualise and allow the audience to see through her eyes was second to none. A haunting, pained quality runs deep through her - and it made for captivating viewing. Although this monologue was the longest, and there were some moments where the pace lolled - it held me throughout and the journey was cinematic.
The second monologue performed by George Bird, follows young woman, Lily, who believes she may be adopted due to her mother’s distain towards her. Lily unravels the truth throughout the piece, skilfully delivered by Bird, who plays the hyperactive, haunted, and powerful teenager with energy and nuance. I had goosebumps at the terror of the revelation - painfully and beautifully executed by Bird.
The third piece was performed by Harriet Main and follows a police officer, Rose, who has had a dark past of her own growing up with a troubled younger sister. Unlike the other speeches, which are spoken to a wider audience - this one is clearly delivered in a police interview room… the reason why becoming obvious at the final moment. A wonderfully twisting tale with moments that reminded me of The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh - this speech is a favourite for me. Main’s calm and straight-talking Rose contrasted perfectly with her creepy depiction of Rose’s sister which keeps replaying in my mind.
The final speech, performed by Finella Wadilove, was delivered straight to the audience standing in as members of a town meeting. The character, Bella, explains she knows one of the townsfolk kidnapped her child during lockdown three years ago - and sets an ultimatum… Will anyone admit to knowing where her child went? Wadilove performs with a casual humour which perfectly cuts through the tense atmosphere created in the script. A fitting finale to end Death Belles – each performance at a consistent high level.
I would have loved to have seen the four actors on stage together for the performance to feel more like a play rather than a collection of monologues. Each piece absolutely should be extended and certainly has an audience member in me waiting for a full play around each of the stories. Perhaps the monologues may lend themselves to a more cinematic approach? I certainly see a Talking Heads style television show in Death Belles – again, one I definitely would be watching! This being said, I did enjoy the subtle connection with the flowers on stage lurking in the background – each flower’s water turning red at the conclusion of each woman’s story. It was a fitting piece of staging that helped tie the pieces together.
Powerful performances delivered by each of the four actors, fuelled by excellent stories written by Power with intelligence, dark humour, and many a twist and turn. Analysing the darkness of the human condition and what makes someone truly ‘bad’. Everyone will have an individual favourite of the four monologues – but each are written and performed at a consistent high level – finding your favourite will be a delightful challenge!
Death Belles is playing at The Hope Theatre on the 8th and 9th of March 2026.
★★★★
