Little Animals, a new play by Stef Smith, has opened at the Royal Lyceum Studio in Edinburgh as part of the Motherland Traverse season, receiving a four-star review from The Guardian. The production, directed by Jemima Levick, runs until 13 September 2024.
Plot and Performance
The play follows a young mother, played by Kirsty Stuart, as she struggles to keep her family together while facing poverty, addiction, and the threat of social services. The Guardian review describes Stuart's performance as "raw and compelling," noting that she "never strikes a false note" in portraying the character's desperation and love for her children.
Critical Reception
According to the review, the play is "a gripping, often uncomfortable watch" that "pulls no punches" in its depiction of systemic failures. The production is praised for its "claustrophobic" set design by Becky Minto, which places the audience in the family's cramped flat. The Guardian reviewer wrote: "Smith's script is taut and unflinching, refusing to offer easy answers or sentimentality."
Context and Impact
Little Animals is part of the Motherland Traverse programme, a series of plays exploring motherhood at the Royal Lyceum Studio. The Guardian notes that the play "resonates powerfully" in the current political climate, highlighting the pressures on families and the inadequacy of support systems. The production runs until 13 September 2024, with tickets available from the Royal Lyceum Theatre box office.
The Guardian's four-star review concludes that Little Animals is "a vital, urgent piece of theatre" that "deserves a wide audience."
