Girls and Boys, Nottingham Playhouse Review
Written by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The audience was left speechless after witnessing the unsettling yet thought-provoking production of Dennis Kelly’s Girls & Boys at the Nottingham Playhouse. Originally staged at the Royal Court Theatre in 2018 (where it starred Carey Mulligan), this powerful one-woman monologue dives into it all - love, relationships, gender dynamics, and violence. It has been presented a few times but this one in Nottingham is the first regional premiere to happen.
Nottingham’s very own Aisling Loftus takes the reigns as the unnamed woman and she delivers a tour-de-force performance. In an hour and 45 minutes, we follow how she met her husband, fell in love, built a life together, and had children. Initially, Loftus brings the audience in with her anecdotes of humour that make it seemingly ordinary from the outside. Girls & Boys is built of so many layers, including a beautiful transition in and out of the fourth wall that enables us as outsiders to obtain some reflection on what Loftus’ character is unearthing, as well as gain a sense of how this story unravels towards a dark conclusion. It’s important that to truly experience the power of this play I shouldn’t discuss what happens.
The underlying theme of this production is that it examines the societal and structural issues surrounding gendered violence, as well as the psychological effects of trauma and loss.
Under the direction of Anna Ledwich, the expansive Nottingham Playhouse stage is masterfully transformed by Designer Janet Bird and Sound Designer Harry Blake, infusing the monologue with the depth and vitality that the subject matter needs to support it in this play.
Girls & Boys is an incredibly sharp, compelling and emotionally driven piece of theatre. While the production’s impact is deeply affecting, it is the significance of the story that lingers, leaving audiences with a powerful and lasting impression.
At Nottingham Playhouse until 1 March 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
