The Children’s Hour – The Comedy Theatre
Review by Julia Pirie
Lillian Hellman is only the third female playwright to have her work playing in London’s West End (the others are Susan Hill and Agatha Christie). Despite starring Keira Knightley, it’s unlikely that this revival of The Children’s Hour will break any longevity record, so see it while you can.
Two women who run a girls’ school in 1930’s America are accused by a disaffected pupil of having a lesbian affair. Although they win a court case against the slander, their lives are ruined. Knightley and Elisabeth Moss play the victims, not of sexual prejudice but of the power of lies – a good tie-in here for students familiar with The Crucible.
Bryony Hannah gives a chilling performance as their nemesis and Ellen Burstyn is her well-meaning but ultimately misguided grandmother. It’s a well constructed play. The first half sets up the lie; the second examines the tragic fallout. Despite some awkward mimed business during scene changes, the direction is clear.
I was interested to watch Knightley who was well-cast as Karen but it was Moss in the more complex role who shone. Perhaps Knightley will grow into the role and find some stage presence during the run.