What happens when an ancient Greek tragedy is brought into the present day, and revenge becomes tangled up with the lasting effects of childhood trauma? That is the question at the heart of Sharp Edges, a one-woman, darkly comedic drama arriving at Camden People’s Theatre from 11 to 14 November 2026.
Written and performed by Sophie Max and directed by Blair McAlpine, the production takes inspiration from Sophocles’ Electra to explore grief, family violence, justice and the difficult possibility of breaking a cycle of harm. This is a contemporary reimagining rather than a straight retelling.
What is Sharp Edges about?
Ellie is 24 and facing the prospect of being kicked out by her mother. She has spent years looking back at a childhood marked by the unexplained disappearance of her father and older sister, and the violence that followed. Now she believes she has one final opportunity to set the past right. But as she approaches that moment, questions about memory, retribution and what justice really means begin to emerge.
The intriguing thing here is the collision between ancient and modern storytelling. The revenge-driven world of Electra becomes something immediate and painfully human, seen through the eyes of a young woman trying to understand what happened to her and whether she can choose a different path.
A story with a purpose beyond the stage
Sharp Edges is presented in partnership with One in Four, which supports survivors of childhood sexual abuse, sexual violence and trauma. Information about the charity and its support will be highlighted during the run.
Max draws on her interests in female-led drama, complicated family relationships and coming-of-age stories. The production promises dark humour alongside its serious subject matter, rather than treating difficult experiences as spectacle.
Explore more Greek mythology and retellings
If Sharp Edges has you curious about the myths behind the drama, explore our Greek Mythology & Retellings hub. We have also covered Elektra on the London stage, The Lightning Thief musical, Circe by Madeline Miller and Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad on stage — different ways of bringing ancient myths into new stories.
Dates, tickets and access
- Venue: Camden People’s Theatre, 58–60 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PY
- Dates: Wednesday 11–Saturday 14 November 2026
- Performances: Wednesday–Friday 7pm; Saturday 3pm and 7pm
- Tickets: £12–£18, plus booking fee
- Running time: 75 minutes without an interval
- Age guidance: 14+
- Access: The venue lists wheelchair access and welcomes assistance dogs; contact the theatre for individual arrangements
Content information: The production contains references to violence, a weapon, murder and childhood sexual abuse. The venue also flags dangerous implements, smoke/fog/haze, flashing lights and loud noises.
Find performance details and book through Camden People’s Theatre.
This is a first-look preview based on production information, not a review of a performance attended by Clarissa’s Corner.
