I found the book impenetrable. So why is the play based on Virginia Woolf’s The Waves such a treat? Our critic reviews an unlikely Off West End hit…

by

 The Waves (Jermyn Street Theatre)

Verdict: Not drowning but waving

Star Rating: 4/5 

Virginia Woolf’s 1931 novel uses a unique writing style that feels like reading someone’s thoughts – a continuous flow of ideas and voices blending together.

The play is challenging to follow, but Flora Wilson Brown creates a beautifully layered story where the characters connect in a dreamlike way, and Virginia Woolf’s subtle humor occasionally shines through.

They first knew each other as kids and stayed connected in different ways as they grew up, each becoming their own unique person.

Each embodies a different way of experiencing life.

Rhoda (played by Ria Zmitrovicz) is a shy and reserved character, often feeling like an outsider. This contrasts with Jinny (Syakira Moeladi), who is confident, popular, and naturally draws attention – even from a young age.

Earthy, unaffected Susan (Breffni Holahan), a country girl, grows up to keep sheep and have babies.

Aspiring poet Neville (Pedro Leandro) is said to be ‘delicate’ – which turns out to mean gay.

Bernard (Tom Varey) likes to make sense of life, create order.

Oh, Archie Backhouse’s Louis? He’s just…amazing. And so unfairly treated! Everyone looks down on him because his dad’s an Australian banker, can you believe it? It’s awful, honestly. I think that’s actually why Rhoda is drawn to him – he’s an outsider, and she probably sees something special in that. It’s just… heartbreaking and beautiful all at once!

Idealised Percival is absent, but given a powerful presence, voiced by the others.

Júlia Levai’s excellent and carefully crafted production introduces us to the six characters, each wearing a T-shirt displaying their name in capital letters.

As children grow into their teenage and adult years, their clothing evolves – from simple garments to more sophisticated shirts, blouses, jackets, and coats. These classic pieces remain wearable until a bit of self-expression – perhaps a bold statement or a touch of rebellion – brings a modern edge to their style.

On the stage is a little square of earth: a flower bed and a grave. Life and death.

Percival’s death deeply impacts everyone, changing the group and each person within it. Though he’s gone, life continues.

The music evokes the ocean – you can almost hear the waves building, cresting, and crashing. It’s both melancholic and uplifting, and exceptionally well-crafted.

The Waves runs at the Jermyn Street Theatre in London until May 30. 

 

ON TOUR…BY LIBBY PURVES

Caroline (New Wolsey, Ipswich & touring) 

Verdict: Raves, romance and rage in the 60s

Star Rating: 4/5 

This lively and charming musical, featuring popular songs, comes from a collaboration of five East Anglian theaters known for their connection to the North Sea coast.

The story honors Radio Caroline, a scrappy pirate radio station that broadcast pop music from a ship anchored off the coast in the 1960s. It became popular with teenagers who were tired of the limited options offered by the BBC’s Light Programme.

Vikki Stone’s story centers on a made-up couple: Caroline, who works in a shop, and Robbie, a DJ reminiscent of Tony Blackburn.

Robbie spent time at a record shop and the Clacton seafront before being noticed by Declan, a businessman inspired by Ronan O’Rahilly. Declan recognized that teenagers were eager for glamour, fashion, and music they could dance to, and saw a business opportunity in fulfilling those desires.

Facing opposition is the Postmaster-General, Gareth Cooper, who quickly passed the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act. Similar to the film The Boat That Rocked, he’s been portrayed as a strict, conservative antagonist, but the truth is that Tony Benn – a well-known figure on the left – was actually the one concerned about the law, primarily because of potential interference with ship radios.

Interestingly, Tony Benn also proposed the idea of a 24-hour pop music channel for the BBC. However, the BBC Chairman dismissed it with the comment that it would be similar to keeping pubs open around the clock!

In the end, the BBC read the room; launched Radio 1 – and poached the pirates’ DJs.

As a lifestyle observer, I noticed this film isn’t just about older generations reminiscing – though I did overhear one gentleman fondly remember his scooter-riding days during a beach scene! It really resonated with a broader appeal than just nostalgia.

Younger audiences really enjoyed the energetic performance, bringing back memories of a time when pop music was all about upbeat, saxophone-filled fun – a welcome change from today’s often sad and gloomy songs.

Honestly, the energy at ‘Not Fade Away’ and ‘My Generation’ is just incredible – the whole crowd goes wild! And ‘What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted’… well, it just hits you right in the feels. It’s such a beautiful, touching song.

A small, energetic group of ten performers—who both act and play instruments—are dynamically directed by Douglas Rintoul, who surprisingly jumps in on the drums himself (as if the Postmaster-General decided to join the band!).

Claire Lee Shenfield’s portrayal of Caroline is excellent. The scene bursts with energy as Caroline dramatically declares ‘Lulu’s terrifying Shout!’ while marrying Robbie on a ship, claiming the marriage is legal under Panamanian law. The mood then shifts to tenderness when she sweetly sings ‘You’re my world!’ upon discovering she’s pregnant, despite the fact that their marriage isn’t officially recognized.

Though the story is straightforward, the performance is lifted by the actress’s interactions with her kind friend, Mary, and her difficult mother.

Jake Halsey-Jones plays Robbie, a charming character who tells awful DJ jokes while advertising old, unpopular products.

It breathes silly, brave defiant youth, old -style.

For tour dates see carolineanewmusical.com

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2026-04-30 21:19