In a striking return to the stage after 26 years, Maryam d'Abo, renowned for her role as a Bond girl opposite Timothy Dalton in The Living Daylights, takes on a challenging new part in the play Spanish Oranges at the Playground Theatre in Notting Hill. This production, directed by her longtime collaborator Myriam Cyr, delves into the complexities of modern relationships with a MeToo lens, offering a nuanced portrayal of emotional turmoil.
A Compelling Comeback for a Bond Icon
Maryam d'Abo's portrayal of Fiona, a character grappling with the stress of living with her husband Ivo, has been met with critical acclaim, earning a four-star rating. In an interview with City AM, d'Abo highlighted the relevance of the play to contemporary relationships, noting that Fiona's intelligence presented a significant acting challenge. For fans of the Bond franchise, seeing d'Abo on stage is a rare treat, as actors from her generation have seldom pursued such grassroots theatrical work.
Exploring Toxic Dynamics and Emotional Exhaustion
The play, written by Alba Arikha, features Jay Villers in a dual role as both Ivo and a journalist, using a clever theatrical device to switch between characters. This technique underscores the interchangeable nature of the two men's toxic behaviors—the journalist for exploiting traumatic topics and Ivo for his abusive tendencies. Villiers delivers a powerful performance, morphing seamlessly between roles to build suspenseful chemistry, while d'Abo's Fiona cowers in the corner, embodying a sense of deep exhaustion that permeates the narrative.
Director Myriam Cyr's sleek and refined staging ensures the show moves at a brisk pace, complemented by Arikha's thoughtful writing. Although the theme of cancel culture might seem slightly dated, the play innovatively examines it through the perspective of someone already cancelled, adding depth and nuance to the story. The portrayal of Ivo, while venomous, is handled with care to reveal his humanity, making the characters' flaws feel authentic and relatable.
A Hidden Gem in London's Theatre Scene
Spanish Oranges runs until 7 March at the Playground Theatre, a charming fringe venue near Notting Hill that offers an intimate setting for this impactful production. The play not only showcases d'Abo's gripping return but also highlights the talents of Villiers and the creative team, making it a must-see for theatre enthusiasts seeking thought-provoking drama.
