
'Lyonesse' review – Kristin Scott Thomas is riveting as the eccentric actress reclaiming her story
Read our three-star review of Lyonesse, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James, in performances at the Harold Pinter Theatre to 23 December.
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Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James star in Penelope Skinner’s world premiere of Lyonesse at The Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End for a strictly limited season. Book your Lyonesse tickets on London Theatre now.
Lyonesse follows a talented actress named Elaine who disappeared mysteriously from public life 30 years ago. Now, this reclusive figure is mounting a comeback, and she wants to begin by telling her story to the world. To do that, she needs Kate, a young film executive. Kate travels to Elaine’s remote home in Cornwall for the interview. However, this sharply topical play promises to examine who really tells our stories and how women, in particular, rarely get to own the narrative.
Lyonesse is an exciting new work by British writer Penelope Skinner. She made an explosive debut in 2008 with Fucked at the Old Red Lion Theatre and the Edinburgh Festival, and she has continued to challenge audiences. For example, her comedy The Village Bike at the Royal Court starred Romola Garai as a sexually frustrated pregnant woman.
Ian Rickson, former artistic director of the Royal Court, directs Lyonesse. His extensive work includes Translations at the National Theatre, Jerusalem in the West End, Hamlet at the Young Vic, and The Seagull on Broadway.
The show stars two amazing actresses. Playing Elaine is Kristin Scott Thomas, a BAFTA winner for Four Weddings and a Funeral, an Olivier Award winner for The Seagull, and an Oscar nominee for The English Patient. She also played Elizabeth II in West End drama The Audience. Lily James, star of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Downton Abbey, and Cinderella will play Kate. On stage, she has starred in Romeo and Juliet and All About Eve in the West End.
See this talented team assemble for an intriguing new show. Book your Lyonesse tickets on London Theatre today.
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Assisted Performances
Captioned - 18th November 2.30pm
Audio-Described - 30th November, 7.30pm
BSL Interpreted - TBC
2h 50m (incl. interval)
October 17th, 2023
December 23rd, 2023
14+
Read our three-star review of Lyonesse, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James, in performances at the Harold Pinter Theatre to 23 December.
The world premiere of Penelope Skinner’s new play Lyonesse will begin performances in October at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London's West End.
This brand new play about an actress who hires a film executive after being missing for 30 years, will run for a limited season at Harold Pinter Theatre.