Mouths In a Glass ~ [The Hope Theatre] ~ | Review

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One woman, eight characters, and an hour of incredible good fun. Mouths in a Glass is a one-woman show directed by Julia Faulkner and written and performed by Sophie Dora-Hall, adapted from her successful mini-web series on YouTube. The transformation from screen to stage adds a new dimension to Mouths in a Glass, bringing the characters to life in interesting and exciting ways. The seven monologues are strung together by shorter scenes from an additional character who offers increasingly amusing revelations about her life as an actor (darling!) as the show progresses.

Each of the monologues are exceptional in their own right - well paced, interesting, and highly entertaining. Dora-Hall moves seamlessly from cockney café owner to upper middle-class housewife to a toddler’s doll without so much as one jarring moment. Her characterisation is flawless, she captivates the audience effortlessly and is wonderfully watchable. With only a handful of costume pieces and props, accompanied by her superb character acting, we watch Sophie transform into someone totally new before our very eyes. And the best thing is that every single one of them is believable.

Mouths in a Glass is a show which is funny, witty, and often surprisingly moving. Thoughtfully and insightfully written, it catches the audience off-guard with some very poignant and touching moments, but without them feeling forced. At the end of the day this show is comedic, but when thought-provoking moments do occur they’re placed with care. The monologues feel natural and shift elegantly between humour and drama, so there’s no fear of emotional whiplash or severe tonal shift.

Sophie Dora-Hall has a bright career ahead of her if Mouths in a Glass is anything to go by, an incredibly strong writer and performer in equal measure. She aims to continue creating and developing Mouths in a Glass for stage and screen, and if the performance at The Hope Theatre is anything to go by then we’re all in for treat. Definitely one to watch!

Mouths In a Glass ~ [The Hope Theatre] ~ | Review
★★★★