People, Places and Things, theatre review: Denise Gough gives unmissable performance of humour and humanity

Duncan Macmillan’s gruellingly honest look at the rehab process sees Denise Gough give the greatest stage performance since Mark Rylance in Jerusalem, says Fiona Mountford
Remarkable, truthful performance: Denise Gough as the troubled Emma
Dave Benett
Fiona Mountford24 March 2016

It's rare to see a group of critics, cynical devils that we are, rise to their feet for a sweeping standing ovation on a press night. But this wasn’t any old opening, or any old leading actress. For my money, Denise Gough gives the greatest stage performance since Mark Rylance in Jerusalem as Emma, an actress addicted to drink and drugs.

Duncan Macmillan’s gruellingly honest look at the rehab process was a sell-out smash at the National last autumn and its hugely deserved West End transfer cleverly recreates the intimacy of the National’s smallest auditorium, the Dorfman. Rows of seating on stage bring the audience closer to the action and also generate a compelling sense of there being no escape, for either us or Emma. We first see Emma going spectacularly to pieces as Nina in The Seagull; next thing we know, she’s in the reception of a rehab clinic, snorting a line of coke.

The arc of the character, and thus of Gough’s remarkable, truthful performance, is awe-inspiring and utterly convincing: from the chaos of addiction to the anger and bewilderment of new sobriety to, finally, a profoundly moving acceptance of flawed humanity. If all this sounds a little daunting, take heart: Macmillan’s lovely writing is never less than slyly humorous and Gough certainly knows how to deliver a funny line. There’s a cherishable running gag about how the doctors in the clinic, all played by the excellent Barbara Marten, resemble Emma’s mum. When we eventually meet mum, she’s Marten too.

It’s a supremely confident and well-oiled production from director Jeremy Herrin, with a fluid acting ensemble. There is absolutely no doubt that Gough is the person, Wyndham’s the place and this play the thing to see this spring.

Until June 18 (020 7452 3000)

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