Hedda Gabler – Desire Unleashed, Chaos Ignited

Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler is a formidable classic, rich with psychological nuance and social critique. While Ibsen didn’t set out to write a Queer narrative, Hedda Gabler’s exploration of repressed desires, societal pressure, and gender nonconformity offers rich opportunities for Queer reinterpretation in today’s theatre. The Golden Goose Theatre’s latest production breathes new life into this iconic play. Under the direction of Josh Maughan, with a sharp adaptation by Dan Sinclair, the production honours the original while adding modern creative flourishes.

Joe Harrington’s performance as Hedda is nothing short of mesmerising. They capture the character’s internal struggle – that push-and-pull between yearning for control and self-destruction – with haunting vulnerability. Every glance, every pause, carries a palpable sense of both power and fragility. Caleb Cura’s George is earnest but naive, the perfect foil to Hedda’s restless intellect, while Saskia Millard’s B brings quiet strength and empathy to the mix. The trio’s dynamic creates a simmering tension that builds beautifully to the play’s inevitable tragedy.

The production’s aesthetic choices are both bold and effective. Stylised choreography punctuates moments of emotional intensity, drawing us deeper into Hedda’s psyche. The lighting shifts fluidly, reflecting the ever-present tension between the warmth of domestic life and the cold, suffocating reality of Hedda’s situation. Meanwhile, a minimalist set design keeps the focus on the performers, whose raw, deeply human portrayals are the heart of this production.

A brilliant production that finds new beauty and pain in familiar tragedy

Adding another layer to the experience, the live piano accompaniment is a masterstroke. At times delicate and melancholic, at others frenzied and chaotic, it mirrors the tumultuous journey Hedda endures. The sound design doesn’t just set the mood; it seems to echo her spiralling thoughts, amplifying the emotional stakes.

For those who know and love Ibsen, there’s much to appreciate here. Maughan and Sinclair aren’t afraid to embrace the darkness of the text while still finding moments of surprising humour. The dialogue feels both fresh and faithful, with each line delivered in a way that honours the original’s weighty themes of ambition, repression, and defiance.


Final Thoughts ★★★★

Would I recommend Hedda Gabler? Without hesitation. It’s a thought-provoking, emotionally resonant adaptation that engages both the heart and mind. Whether you’re intimately familiar with Ibsen’s work or coming to the play for the first time, this production offers a deeply rewarding experience. In a small, intimate space like the Golden Goose, the power of this classic’s raw emotion feels magnified, pulling you into Hedda’s world and leaving you with plenty to reflect upon.

Playing at the Golden Goose Theatre until 1 February 2025.


Disclaimer: A complimentary ticket was provided in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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