Not knowing much of the play before-hand, I was going in with no expectations which allowed me to appreciate the performances in their entirety. To call the play phenomenal would be an understatement. From starring in the hit BBC show ‘Normal People’ to performing in front of a live audience as such an iconic character in theater, Paul Mescal did Stanley’s character incredible justice. I was terrified while also enthralled when watching him.
Hours of day drinking and scouting out a restaurant for tapas, specifically for potatas bravas, led me to the Phoenix Theatre in Camden, London (my favorite borough). My girlfriend and I were attending to watch the renowned play ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ starring Paul Mescal (Stanley), Patsy Ferran (Blanche), and Anjana Vasan (Stella).
Not knowing much of the play before-hand, I was going in with no expectations which allowed me to appreciate the performances in their entirety. To call the play phenomenal would be an understatement. From starring in the hit BBC show ‘Normal People’ to performing in front of a live audience as such an iconic character in theater, Paul Mescal did Stanley’s character incredible justice. I was terrified while also enthralled when watching him.
Patsy Ferran gave the performance of a lifetime portraying ‘Blanche’. Her tone and discourse with the different characters on stage were staggering and powerful, she let us, the audience, into her deeper thoughts and fears. Blanche was humorous whilst also completely vulnerable throughout the play and this juxtaposition definitely had the audience on the edge of their seats through both acts.
The growing tension between Blanche and Stanley’s characters had you completely engaged; you just could not take your eyes off them (even though we were sat at the very far back and could barely see their faces). Anjana Vasan’s vulnerability and empathy for her sister Blanche, was immense and resonated with me personally. Her character ‘Stella’ acted as an anchor, almost, for the play. With themes of forgiveness, denial, and abuse but also unconditional love, A Streetcar Named Desire is just unforgettable.
All of the cast were undoubtedly talented and I would absolutely recommend going down to London and witnessing one of the greatest play’s you’ll ever see before it's too late. Oh, and of course, we did in fact meet Paul Mescal at the stage door after the show had ended. He is, in reality, the complete opposite of his character Stanley and made sure to take a photo with all the people queueing to congratulate him on his performance.