The Little Woman In My Head Must Die at Upstairs at The Gatehouse Review
In Tolkien’s famous stories Hobbits only become adults at 33. At that age in modern society we are expected to have it all: thriving career, our own property and fulfilling marriage and children either already here or on the way. Emily Hooley and Emma Graveling’s The Little Woman in my Head must die is an intriguing premise that plays with society’s idea of bliss.
We meet Emmeline (Emma Graveling), a editor with a supposedly thriving editor job, a fiancé and a flat in zone 2 (a huge brag for any Londoner). In theory she should be living it up and having it all. Yet this is immediately interrupted by Hooley as her imaginary friend in colourful dungarees and a party hat. The duo have brilliant chemistry together and work well to explore the themes of life, career, dreams, family struggles and societal pressures in a heartbreakingly familiar form. Their exploration of memories and ideals together, particularly the use of ai in the publishing industry was nuanced and invigorating to watch.
It is quite a profound exploration of how we can shape our own life and identity and whether we are brave enough to forge a fulfilling life which might not tick all the traditional boxes but will make you feel so much happier over all. The concept of modern loneliness and whether we should settle or find a social group which will empower and challenge us is also beautifully hinted at. Its running time of 1 hour works perfectly to vividly explore these ideas in a fast and enjoyable form.
Overall, the idea of this show is solid, but this is still a show that is in its experimental stages. The writing is beautiful and the story line is very vivid of what most millienials and Gen Z are going through and it has a universal ring of experience that is powerfully profound. It is only the transition and grounding between memories which needs fine tuning otherwise this is a fantastic play. I look forward to seeing its future inceptions and wish all involved all the best in the fruits of their hard work.
Running at the Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 20th August 2026
★★★★
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
