When an abusive husband is awarded a medal for his service patrolling the Texas-Mexico border, it brings to the fore the family conflict between him, his estranged son and his hopeful wife, Grace.Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Tony nominee Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog), The Book of Grace paints a visceral family portrait, reflecting on society’s hostility towards immigrants with timely new resonance as the world watches its own borders, with another Trump election on the horizon and the UK government continuing to push their ‘stop the boats’ campaign. The UK premiere will be directed by award-winning and Olivier nominated director Femi Elufowoju jr OBE and stars Ellena Vincent, Peter de Jersey, and Daniel Francis-Swaby.
Arcola Theatre 16 May – 8 June 2024
Running time: 140 mins (including interval) Age guidance: 15+
The Book Of Grace will be playing at the Arcola Theatre until 8th June 2024 Book your Tickets HERE
My Thoughs: The Book of Grace
Grace, played by Ellena Vincent, shows a happy-go-lucky woman with so much hope for all the good things and, more importantly, the people in the world. She tells us of her love for maths and some hopes and dreams, all done with big smiles and a sing-song voice. To the unsuspecting audience, we went through a traumatic experience where, at some points, it got heated and gasped!
Grace and Vet (played by Peter De Jersey) are Married, and Vet has a son called Buddy/Snake (Daniel Francis-Swaby); he’s charming on Grace, and honestly, I can see the appeal; she brings brightness out of the dark. She was there for Buddy as a kid, and I guess the crush never did go away!
The Vet was very loud and, at times, sinister, not to mention disturbingThe show took a seriously dark turn and was executed so well for the small stage setup, where Grace used props, a working hob, and a tap was used; needless to say, I was amazed when she cracked an egg and Grace cooked it.
The cogs Turning
You can see the cogs turning on Vet and how, in his head, he is very controlling; if you have issues with Domestic Violence, this show makes it clear.
The start of the book of Grace was hard to understand as it wasn’t clear what time set in, but I do know he didn’t need that mic; his voice was loud enough!
I found parts funny, especially when Buddy entered the audience.
The seating was extraordinary; it felt like I was sitting on scaffolding, and the bar did restrict view slightly; we were on the balcony. The twist at the end was good (I don’t want to give spoilers, so I won’t mention what it was); however, I do think they could’ve made a different ending, but it does leave room for a possible sequel
My overall score would be 4/5
Press Tickets: I was given tickets in exchnge for an honest review
To see my other Recent reviews for May
Little Boxes Wimbledon Theatre Studio HERE
The Government Inspector Marylebone Theatre HERE
Frozen Greenwich Theatre HERE
Agathe HERE
