The most controversial play of 2023 - James Norton in A Little Life - review & photos

James Norton of Happy Valley fame plays a man who is psychologically and physically damaged as a result of abuse he received as a child. The play A Little Life, based on Hanya Yanagihara's book, is adapted and directed by Ivo van Hove. The play shows the value of the love and support he gets from his friends, but reviewer Paul Seven Lewis asks: are the detailed scenes of abuse and self-harming justified? is the nudity necessary? and does James Norton succeed in portraying a damaged character from the age of 8 to 50?
The rest of the cast are Luke Thompson (from Bridgerton), Zubin Varla, Omari Douglas, Zach Wyatt, Elliot Cowan, Nathalie Armin and Emilio Doorasingh. The set, lighting and video designer is Jan Versweyveld. The script is by Koen Tachelet, Ivo van Hove and Hanya Yanagihara. Music is by Eric Sleichim and played by Alison Holford, Eleanor Parry-Dickinson, Hazel Correa and Alison d'Souza.
Paul paid for his ticket.
A Little Life performed at the Harold Pinter Theatre until 18 June 2023 and then at the Savoy Theatre until 5 August 2023.
A film of the live stage show will be shown in UK and other European cinemas on 28 September 2023.
Production photos used in this video are by Jan Versweyveld.

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