★★★★ Daily Telegraph
★★★★ Mail on Sunday
★★★★ The Stage
The National Theatre presents a new production of the era-defining play that changed British theatre.
Directed by Bijan Sheibani (Barber Shop Chronicles) and designed by Hildegard Bechtler (Antony and Cleopatra), A Taste of Honey is a gritty depiction of working class life in post-war Britain and an exhilarating portrayal of the vulnerabilities and strengths of the female spirit in a deprived and restless world. Shelagh Delaney’s taboo-breaking play, written when she was just 19, was later adapted into a BAFTA award-winning film.
When her mother Helen runs off with a car salesman, feisty teenager Jo takes up with Jimmie, a sailor who promises to marry her, before he heads for the seas. Art student Geof moves in and assumes the role of surrogate parent until, misguidedly, he sends for Helen and their unconventional setup unravels.
Jodie Prenger (Oliver!, One Man, Two Guvnors) leads the cast as Helen in this bold new production that features original music compositions - influenced by blues and soul - and rearranged songs from the jazz era performed live by the cast and accompanied by an on-stage band.
