Southwark Playhouse Borough — Attraction in London

OMG!!! WHAT A NIGHT! Full spectrum of emotions! The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary at Southwark Playhouse is an extraordinary theatrical adaptation that brings Gustave Flaubert’s classic novel into a modern, vibrant context. This production takes the timeless story of Emma Bovary’s internal struggles, her yearning for a more passionate life, and her ultimate tragic downfall, and reimagines it with a bold, inventive approach.

From the very beginning, the play grips the audience with its energetic pacing and sharp, dynamic performances. The script is smart and witty, adding a contemporary twist to Flaubert's original, while retaining the novel's profound emotional depth. The talented cast delivers powerful performances, with particular praise for the actress portraying Emma, whose vulnerability and complexity are captured brilliantly. Her portrayal of a woman caught between dreams and despair is both heartbreaking and compelling.

The set design is minimalist but incredibly effective, utilizing the space to reflect the internal world of Emma. The creative use of lighting and sound further enhances the mood, heightening the tension and capturing the essence of her overwhelming emotional turmoil.

Director’s vision is clear and bold, making The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary not just a retelling, but a fresh exploration of the themes of desire, dissatisfaction, and societal pressures. The production strikes a perfect balance between being faithful to the original novel while offering a fresh, accessible interpretation for modern audiences.

Overall, The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary at Southwark Playhouse is a triumph. It’s a powerful, thought-provoking, and beautifully executed adaptation that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences, making it a must-see for theater lovers and fans of the...

I had booked tickets for a show whilst travelling in Australia, and returned to the UK to wonder why on earth I had booked for a weeknight when we don't even live in London! I offered the second ticket to a few friends, none of whom were available that night, and finally, on the actual afternoon of the performance, I popped in to the theatre to offer them the ticket back as I saw that the performance was sold out. I hadn't expected a refund at such short notice, but an hour later I returned to be told that they had, in fact, resold my ticket and my card was refunded!

The theatre has a great atmosphere, both front of house and in the intimate performance space. A bar sells a good selection of beer, cider and possibly other beverages, along with snacks and, of course, programmes! I found a chair and chatted with a fellow member of the audience, prior to the show starting, and we were allowed to take our drinks into the auditorium, which was nice as I didn't have to rush my cider.

The show I saw, Cable St, was wonderful! Truly well researched, written and performed! I was so impressed with all of the cast, and will definitely look for productions at this theatre in the future, whenever I am in London.

I highly recommend the Southwark Playhouse Borough to anyone with an interest in high quality theatre in an...

I've been to two previous incarnations of the Southwark playhouse. This venue has two spaces, called descriptively the "large" and the "little". They are both flexible spaces, allowing multiple stage set ups, from traditional stages to plays in the round and even, on one occasion, a recreation of a world war 1 trench. The spaces lack the atmosphere of the previous venue under the London bridge arches, although I imagine it makes the set designers' lives a bit simpler - and I haven't noticed any rumbling train noises, which had punctured many a poignant moment...

The bar has a reasonable range of craft drinks, and serves food from a small kitchen. There are not quite enough seats if you turn up late, although the crowd often thins out due to staggered performance times. Sometimes you can even see the performers and crew in the bar after the play.

Which brings me to the reason we are there - the plays. The venue is small, but offers an eclectic mix of shows. They often have children friendly performances, especially around Christmas. Most plays generally fall on the experimental side, whether with new writing or revivals. With small venue sizes, most performances are intimate - and the venue remains one of my favourite theatres in London, even if I'll always miss the damp and claustrophobic...