Romola Garai Delivers a Neurotic Masterclass in Anya Reiss's Modern 'A Doll's House'
Anya Reiss's new adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House at the Almeida Theatre in Islington is a panic attack rendered in theatrical form, brilliantly updating the 1879 original to reflect contemporary financial anxieties. This production, running from April 9 to May 16, 2026, features a standout performance by Romola Garai as Nora, earning a four-star review for its nerve-wracking intensity.
A Modern Take on Classic Themes
Reiss, a former Royal Court prodigy, returns to the stage after nearly a decade with her most compelling theatre work to date. Her adaptation remains structurally faithful to Ibsen's plot but smartly amplifies the debt-related underpinnings into something extremely modern. Instead of focusing on the illegality of women taking out bank loans, Reiss engages with today's world of precarious Klarna payments, unwise overdrafts, and reckless spending.
Nora, played by Garai, is an anxious and impulsive woman living in a bougie rental house, surrounded by excessive Christmas shopping. Her husband Torvald, portrayed by Tom Mothersdale, is a workaholic on the cusp of selling his company for millions. However, their apparent wealth is built on a lie: Nora secretly acquired funds through illicit means to pay for Torvald's rehab after his drug addiction nearly ruined them.
Compelling Performances and Direction
Garai's performance is tremendous, offering a masterclass in portraying a woman so terrified of the world that she limits herself to pleasing Torvald. Her every line delivery and gesture is marinated in neuroticism, making the 90-minute first half fly by. Mothersdale's Torvald is equally compelling, depicting a man in unhealthy denial about his addictions.
Director Jeremy Herrin, known for previous collaborations with Garai, keeps the staging naturalist yet nervy. Hyemi Shin's set features a lake of presents that slowly clears away, symbolizing the temporary and rootless nature of the characters' lives. While some smaller characters, like Oliver Huband's Peter, feel awkwardly integrated, the central performances drive the narrative forward.
Contemporary Relevance and Critique
Reiss's text speaks deftly to modern anxieties, exploring money as a stand-in for human warmth. Nora's preference for buying Lego sets over spending time with her child highlights this theme. The adaptation also critiques capitalism through a final plot twist involving Torvald's company sale, though it occasionally feels crass.
Overall, this production avoids framing Nora as a simple heroine, instead reframing Ibsen's timeless story in vividly unsettling modern colors. It's a feverish parable for our age of anxiety, running 2 hours and 30 minutes with tickets priced from £15 to £70.
Practical Details
The Almeida Theatre is located at Almeida St, Islington, London N1 1TA, accessible via Highbury & Islington station, Essex Road rail, or Angel tube. Performances continue through May 2026, offering a must-see experience for theatre enthusiasts.
