Mrs Dalloway

Jen Hayes, Kit Green (after Virgina Woolf)

Storyhouse Chester, Harlow Playhouse, CutToTheChase Productions

Storyhouse Chester

June 2-6, 2026; 120 mins

Kit Green in Mrs Dalloway. All pics: Megan Bennett

"Let us plunge into the heart of the moment": this phrase sets the tone for a new and adventurous production of Virginia Woolf's novel, Mrs Dalloway, in which we follow the thoughts and ruminations of the lead character as a day passes and she prepares for a party.

Virginia Woolf was noted for using a "stream of consciousness" literary technique, so the dialogue is a record of Mrs Dalloway’s thoughts about the event and the people she will meet. There doesn't have to be a linear narrative connecting the thoughts - like everyone's thoughts jumping from one theme to another prompted by memory or external stimulus. 

This show has a multimedia format, using spoken word and a video wall as well as recital, song and vocal recordings.

The driving force of the production is, of course, actor and comedian Kit Green, who found herself identifying with Virginia Woolf's experiences and used the Dalloway story to explore several themes. Green plays 16 different roles and often breaks the fourth wall to comment on proceedings or explain what is about to happen.

The narrative focuses mainly on two voices: one of an ex-soldier suffering from shell shock and considering suicide, and the other a woman who questions her validity in life as time passes by. She also struggles with the choices life presents. The person she loved most dearly, a woman, gets married. She marries Richard, a simple, loyal soul and finds a life of comfort and security, but which lacks passion. She rejects the emotional storm that is Peter, despite her lingering affection for him, to maintain her emotional independence.

As one-person shows go, there is much about Mrs Dalloway to admire. The video sequences are stunning, and the different styles of presentation add variety to the narrative. Green herself is excellent; a a talented comedian who engages warmly with the audience. Her presentation is very well prepared but has a spontaneity about it, and she communicates the story cleverly. She also presents some difficult issues with sensitivity, in particular those of suicide and mental illness.

The problem with the concept is that Woolf's work can be difficult to follow. Thus is a literary classic but is by no means easy to read, and this makes it more difficult to translate as theatre. The best parts of this production come when Green drops out of character and connects directly with the audience. While there are plenty of life-lessons to take away from the show, it requires considerable concentration to keep up with the story.

Storyhouse, Harlow Playhouse and CuttotheChase Productions must be applauded for taking on this adventurous production - but it is by no means an easy watch. Not everything needs to be.

More info and tickets here