I took my mum to see Jumpy in London, it seemed a great idea after reading the reviews, Hilary ( Tasmin Greig) a 50 year old feminist facing the threat of redundancy, a challenging sexually active teen and an unraveling, unsatisfying marriage to contend with. It’s like instantly going to make you feel ten times better about your own existence knowing that in comparison your life is perfect right?
Wrong. April De Angelis’ play hits a nerve with anyone who has raised children, or simply remembers their own teenage antics and the sometimes unspoken battles with their parents. Tamsin Greig is amazing. From the moment she steps on stage lumbered with shopping and instantly reaching for the wine the audience ripples with knowing giggles. I may not be there yet, needing that glass of wine the moment I get in from work but it seems many of the audience are!
I don’t want to give too much of the plot away as it ruins the experience if you know what to expect. I can tell you that it deals with many today’s current social, economic and political situations with a bluntness that left some of the audience shifting in their seats with discomfort at just how accurate it’s portrayal was, then in the next moment in howls of laughter, tears rolling down cheeks for the exact same reason. We’ve either been 16 year old Tilly (played expertly by 20 year old Bel Powley) or have had the joys of being a parent to someone with similar traits.
Jumpy is laced with comedy, just enough to salve the sting of some of the more awkward moments. There were a few times in the play when I wondered if it would have been more appropriate to bring a friend rather than my mum as you could see the both of us giving sly sidewards glances but in general I think it is an amazing performance to bring anyone to! There is a bit of swearing and some of the topics covered are rather grown up so I’d definitely say its best for 16 years and up.This is one for the older members of the family, trust me, unless you want to have a frank discussion with your 8 year old on nipple tassels and infidelity you may want to give it a miss! Find a babysitter though as you should certainly see it yourself!
Jumpy is playing in the Duke of York’s Theatre until Saturday 3 November 2012. It’s a shame as it deserves to go on for much longer so I only hope it is brought back to The West End soon!
LONDON LISTINGS INFORMATION – Royal Court at the Duke of York’s Theatre
Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm.
Saturday and Wednesday matinees at 2.30pm
£15-£52.50. 20 best price seats at £10 each, available in person only, at the box office
from 10am on the day of the performance. Concessions and group discounts apply
(Students £25 on Wednesday matinees / Seniors £32.50 Monday to Thursday in
advance, £29.50 on the door). See website for full details.
0844 871 7623*
www.royalcourtatdukes.com
