Sheridan Smith shines as Susan in this darkly comic exploration of a woman's inner demons, which has stood the test of time for its originality and boldness. The play follows Susan, who takes a blow to the head with a garden rake, triggering an alternate world that is both refuge and prison.
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a picture-perfect family in Susan's imaginary world – from her husband Andy's lustful nature to her daughter Lucy's adoring gaze. However, this façade begins to crumble as reality and fantasy converge, revealing a tangled web of emotional pain and desperation.
Sheridan Smith brings depth and nuance to the role of Susan, conveying vulnerability and emotional turmoil through subtle expressions and body language. While her performance is captivating in the early stages of the play, the tone eventually becomes increasingly high-pitched and surreal, which may deter some viewers.
The supporting cast adds to the play's complexity, with Romesh Ranganathan bringing comedic relief as Bill, a nerdy doctor who provides a much-needed levity amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, Tim McMullan shines as Gerald, Susan's emotionally distant husband, whose writerly fantasy serves as a commentary on the emptiness of married life.
Michael Longhurst's direction masterfully navigates the play's tonal shifts, veering from retro comedy to surreal nightmare with remarkable consistency. Soutra Gilmour's set design is a standout feature, featuring a hyper-real buccolia that seamlessly transitions between reality and fantasy. Andrzej Goulding's video design adds an unsettling layer of depth to the production.
As we are taken on this journey through Susan's fractured psyche, it becomes clear that this play is not just a critique of middle-age wobbles but also a powerful exploration of the desperation that women often face in marriage. The question it poses – what is the alternative to facing up to reality? – is hauntingly relevant in today's bleak world.
Despite some inconsistent moments, "Susan" remains a bold and original work that will continue to unsettle audiences with its unnerving portrayal of a woman trapped between reality and fantasy.
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a picture-perfect family in Susan's imaginary world – from her husband Andy's lustful nature to her daughter Lucy's adoring gaze. However, this façade begins to crumble as reality and fantasy converge, revealing a tangled web of emotional pain and desperation.
Sheridan Smith brings depth and nuance to the role of Susan, conveying vulnerability and emotional turmoil through subtle expressions and body language. While her performance is captivating in the early stages of the play, the tone eventually becomes increasingly high-pitched and surreal, which may deter some viewers.
The supporting cast adds to the play's complexity, with Romesh Ranganathan bringing comedic relief as Bill, a nerdy doctor who provides a much-needed levity amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, Tim McMullan shines as Gerald, Susan's emotionally distant husband, whose writerly fantasy serves as a commentary on the emptiness of married life.
Michael Longhurst's direction masterfully navigates the play's tonal shifts, veering from retro comedy to surreal nightmare with remarkable consistency. Soutra Gilmour's set design is a standout feature, featuring a hyper-real buccolia that seamlessly transitions between reality and fantasy. Andrzej Goulding's video design adds an unsettling layer of depth to the production.
As we are taken on this journey through Susan's fractured psyche, it becomes clear that this play is not just a critique of middle-age wobbles but also a powerful exploration of the desperation that women often face in marriage. The question it poses – what is the alternative to facing up to reality? – is hauntingly relevant in today's bleak world.
Despite some inconsistent moments, "Susan" remains a bold and original work that will continue to unsettle audiences with its unnerving portrayal of a woman trapped between reality and fantasy.
. Susan's imaginary world is like his wall, all pretty pictures and promises, but ultimately just a desperate attempt to escape the mess she made of her real life 
. And let's be real, Sheridan Smith's performance is like the people who still believe Trump's BS - they're caught up in the fantasy for a while, but eventually the truth comes crashing down 
. The supporting cast is like the politicians who try to spin the truth, Bill as Romesh Ranganathan is all about the laughs and distraction 
, while Gerald, Tim McMullan, is more like those who try to explain it all away... but ultimately just add to the confusion 
. And Michael Longhurst's direction is like a masterful politician - navigating the tone shifts with ease, keeping us guessing until the bitter end 
.
. It's funny because my wife always says that fantasy is our escape from reality, but for Susan, it feels more like a prison 
. The supporting cast was great, especially Romesh Ranganathan - he brought such energy to the stage and broke some of the tension 
. What I'm trying to say is that this play might be uncomfortable to watch at times, but it's definitely worth seeing if you want to have a deeper conversation about what makes us tick 
.
Sheridan Smith is AMAZING as Susan, she's got this vulnerability that'll break ur heart but also makes u root for her so hard 
the supporting cast is on point too, Romesh Ranganathan is HILARIOUS as Bill and Tim McMullan is SOOO good as Gerald 
michael longhurst's direction is like whoa, he pulls off that tonal shift seamlessly 
and soutra gilmour's set design? WOW! 
the way it explores the desperation women face in marriage is just so raw and real...anyway, if u haven't seen "Susan" yet, u NEED to 
it's got this weird taste kinda like oat milk but not as thick, idk maybe i'm just being picky lol anyway, i was reading an article about the environmental impact of food production and it blew my mind... like did you know that animal agriculture is responsible for like 14% of greenhouse gas emissions? 
. The supporting cast is amazing too, Romesh Ranganathan's comedic relief is exactly what it needs to balance out the darker moments 
. The only thing that bothered me a bit is when it got too surreal towards the end, but overall, it was an incredible production 
.
michael longhurst's direction is pure genius, it's like the play changes tone in an instant 
soutra gilmour's set design is insane, i loved how reality and fantasy blurred together 
. I think that's a testament to the power of this story, and how it continues to resonate with audiences long after the curtain falls 
.
. Anyway, the production values are on point with that sick set design and video effects, it's like stepping into Susan's fractured psyche 
. Overall, I'd say "Susan" is a wild ride that'll leave you feeling unsettled but also kinda... enlightened 
. Sheridan Smith is so talented, her performance is like a masterclass in acting 
. But, what really got me thinking was how the play explores the desperation women face in marriage 
. Like, I've seen it happen to friends and family, it's just so sad 
.
, it's like you stepped into Susan's inner world 
. The video design is also super creepy 
.
? And have any of you guys seen this play live or is it a Netflix thing 
?
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. Sheridan Smith gives an incredible performance as Susan, she's so raw and emotional, it's like you're right there with her going through all this