Description

Based on Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux’s fearless masterpiece, five actors create an unapologetic portrait of a woman shaped by her rapidly- changing world.

“MEMORY NEVER STOPS. IT PAIRS THE DEAD WITH THE LIVING, REAL WITH IMAGINARY BEINGS, DREAMS WITH HISTORY”

She strikes a pose and the camera shutter clicks: a child playing in the debris of the Second World War. Click. A student discovering parties and men’s bodies. Click. An activist fighting for the right to choose. Click. A wife picking out a velvet sofa. Click. A mother taking her eldest to judo. Click. A lover seducing a younger man. Click. A grandmother presenting her granddaughter to the camera. Click.

Deborah Findlay, Romola Garai, Gina McKee, Anjli Mohindra and Harmony Rose-Bremner give ‘extraordinary performances’ (Observer) in Eline Arbo’s inventive adaptation, following sold out runs at the Almeida Theatre and Internationaal Theater Amsterdam.

The Guardian: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Financial Times: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Independent: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Arts Desk: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Times: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Observer: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Evening Standard: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

iNews: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Meta Review

The Years at the Almeida Theatre has struck a chord with critics, who widely celebrate its successful translation of Annie Ernaux’s landmark novel into a deeply affecting stage production. Directed with sensitivity and a strong sense of aesthetic unity, the adaptation is praised for its intellectual depth, immersive staging, and resonant performances—especially from Romola Garai and Gina McKee, whose portrayals are universally noted as the emotional heart of the piece.

Capturing Time and Memory

The Guardian and The Times both give The Years five stars, underscoring how the production effectively evokes Ernaux’s themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time. The Guardian commends the “triumph in storytelling and stagecraft,” while The Times describes it as a “swoon-worthy smash” that masterfully brings Ernaux’s prose to life through a theatrical lens. Both publications praise the ensemble cast’s subtlety, noting that their performances allow the audience to feel as though they’re moving through Ernaux’s memories in real-time.

Complex and Overwhelming

While most reviews are emphatic in their praise, iNews touches on the intensity of the narrative, acknowledging that the experience may be overwhelming for some audiences. The review lauds the adaptation’s ambition but notes that its emotional impact can be “almost too much to bear,” particularly for viewers unprepared for the relentless nature of its storytelling.

Stunning Performances

Romola Garai and Gina McKee’s portrayals are consistently highlighted, with The Arts Desk calling the ensemble’s work “matchless” and essential to the success of this adaptation. London Theatre and The Evening Standard both emphasize how the chemistry and depth in Garai and McKee’s performances embody the contemplative essence of Ernaux’s original work, making The Years not only a visual and intellectual experience but also a profoundly human one.

Universal Appeal and Contemporary Relevance

The production’s ability to resonate across generations and experiences is another frequent theme in the reviews. The Arts Desk deems it a “must-see” for the way it engages audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels, while The Evening Standard and London Theatre emphasize its relevance to today’s political and social climate, despite its origins in Ernaux’s personal, mid-20th-century memories.

Meta Review Verdict: A Riveting Success

The Years at the Almeida Theatre has been hailed as an intelligent and visually stunning adaptation that remains true to Ernaux’s exploration of life, identity, and history. Though its intensity might challenge some viewers, it is ultimately an experience that captivates and engages on every level. With standout performances, evocative staging, and a storyline that feels as relevant today as ever, this production is a compelling testament to the power of memory and theatre alike.