In the pressurised worlds of football and finance, two women carve their own path.
After the loss of her dad, a goalkeeper prepares for the league final, while an ambitious banker battles her fears of being tokenised to secure a promotion. But as their pitches get closer, worlds collide as life shifts unexpectedly and in parallel. How do you face your biggest challenge yet?
Returning following a sold-out, hit run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023, Playbill’s Pick of the Fringe Bitter Lemons is an explosive play tackling the pressures on women’s bodies and the power society holds over them.
Audience Reactions
In the press
★★★★★ ‘Excellent script, brilliant performances’
EdFestMag
★★★★ ‘Fiery new writing… white-knuckle ride’
The Stage
★★★★ ‘Gripping exploration of gender politics’
City AM
★★★★ ‘Completely captivating… gorgeous, energetic and vulnerable’
All That Dazzles
★★★★ ‘Emotionally engaging storytelling… offers a complex and powerful story’
The Reviews Hub
★★★★ ‘Magnificent… splendidly written and performed’
The Reviews Gate
★★★★ ‘A truly powerful, thought-provoking piece of theatre’
Beyond the Curtain
★★★★.5 ‘Totally compelling’
Plays to See
★★★★ ‘Powerful and moving’
Adventures in Theatreland
★★★★ ‘A compelling and insightful production’
LondonTheatre1
★★★★ ‘Sharp and vivid… This play is a revelation’
Lou Reviews
★★★★ ‘Compelling drama… the impact is hard to ignore’
London Box Office
★★★★ ‘Waddock and Hayes are both impeccable performers, confident, engaging and emotive’
Rated Reviewed
★★★★ ‘Breathtaking… mesmerising dialogue’
Green Room Reviews
★★★★ ‘Careful, nuanced, gripping work’
The Scotsman
★★★★★ ‘Seamless, pacy production’
North West End
★★★★★ ‘Glitters like a gem… moving and important piece of theatre’
Roaming Reader
Cast
ANGELINA | SHANNON HAYES (SHE/HER)
AJ | CHANEL WADDOCK (SHE/HER)
Download the cast biographies here.
Creative Team
WRITER & DIRECTOR | LUCY HAYES (SHE/HER)
SET & COSTUME DESIGNER | ROISIN MARTINDALE (SHE/THEY)
LIGHTING DESIGNER | ED SAUNDERS
SOUND DESIGNER | HATTIE NORTH (SHE/HER)
PRODUCTION MANAGER | HAN SAYLES (THEY/THEM)
ASSOCIATE DESIGNER | LUCY RUFF
STAGE MANAGER | ANASTASIA BOOTH
REHEARSAL STAGE MANAGER | LUCY VENTHAM
SET BUILDER | ERDOGAN DAMDELEN
PRODUCER | RJG PRODUCTIONS
Download the creative team biographies here.
Freesheet
Artwork by The Other Richard.
RJG Productions in association with Park Theatre present the London premiere of
Bitter Lemons
Written and Directed by Lucy Hayes