Review: All About Eve

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of All About Eve.
Backstage story revolving around aspiring actress Eve Harrington. Tattered and forlorn, Eve shows up in the dressing room of Broadway mega-star Margo Channing, telling a melancholy life story to Margo and her friends. Margo takes Eve under her wing, and it appears that Eve is a conniver that uses Margo.

I personally found All About Eve's storyline to be utterly fascinating. Unlike many others viewers of the play, I had not watched the original film, and as a result I was experiencing the story and all of these characters for the very first time, which was a truly wonderful experience. All About Eve is two hours with no interval, but despite this the play managed to hold my attention from beginning to end. Throughout these two hours, we gain a glimpse of life behind the theatre curtain, and I found it to be thrilling. I remained engrossed and on the edge of my seat throughout, eager to find out which characters would triumph and which would fall. In Van Hove's adapted script, tension was well built and it was enjoyable to see how the characters developed as the piece went on.

In the leading role of Margo Channing, Gillian Anderson gives a spellbinding performance. She nails every aspect of the character, clearly portraying both the character's more confident side, as well as her insecurities. Margo's drunken tirade is a particular highlight of her performance, which was truly hilarious to watch. Anderson's co-star Lily James, as Eve Harrington, excels in the role. Eve's rising ambition is acted superbly by James, and she was particularly outstanding during the character's more volatile moments. It was interesting to see how the character developed and changed as the play went on, something which Lily James conveys well. Monica Dolan, as Karen Richards, is also excellent. Dolan is very engaging to watch, and is highly believable. Additionally, her comic timing is truly impeccable. It is very clear as to why she recently received an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Karen. Special mentions must also be given to Julian Ovenden, as Bill Sampson, and Stanley Townsend, as Addison DeWitt, who were both remarkable.

The direction and staging of all All About Eve, by Ivo van Hove, is extremely ambitious. Similar to some of his previous works, Hove seeks to combine film and theatre in one, using live recordings throughout the play. This approach has not appealed to everyone, and has been somewhat divisive. I, however, rather admired it. It was creative, innovative and unlike anything I had seen before. I would not want for every play to use similar methods, but it was great for a one-off.

All About Eve features instrumental music, composed by P.J. Harvey, which is used both in-between and during several scenes. I found the music to be a good addition, due to the fact that it helped to add to the atmosphere. In addition to the instrumental songs, there are also two musical numbers: 'The Sandman', which is sung by Gillian Anderson, and 'The Moth', which is sung by Lily James. I enjoyed both songs and they were performed flawlessly by the two leading actresses.

Now for my final verdict on All About Eve. I give All About Eve...

I found All About Eve to be well and truly phenomenal. It had a gripping story, outstanding performances, interesting direction and, to top it all off, great music. 

Think it should have got a higher rating? Agree with my rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below. 

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer