Distinguished Villa
by Kate O'Brien
by Kate O'Brien
In 1926 Brixton, Mabel Hemworth's strict domesticity is challenged by the arrival of progressive lodger Frances and her ambitious sister Gwen, leading to life-altering repercussions as they seek independence and romance beyond their constrained suburban lives.
About The Play
About The Play
DISTINGUISHED VILLA is now completely sold out for the entire run. There are no tickets left.
For details of our Returns Policy, please click here
For details of last minute ticket releases and to join our mailing list, please email us at admin@finboroughtheatre.co.uk or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/finborough
★★★★★ Five Stars, London Theatre 1
★★★★ Four and a Half Stars, The Reviews Hub
★★★★ Four and a Half Stars, Breaking The Fouth Wall
★★★★ Four Stars, TheatreCat
★★★★ Four Stars, London Pub Theatres
★★★★ Four Stars, Everything Theatre
★★★★ Four Stars, Theatre Bubble
Standing Ovation Award Nomination from London Pub Theatre
Off West End Award Nomination for Supporting Performance in a Play – Matthew Ashforde
Off West End Award Nomination for Director (Plays) – Hugh Fraser
Brixton, 1926.
Mabel Hemworth rules her home and husband with a rod of iron. She expects others to follow her ‘nice’ example of domestic life. But this rule-bound world is turned upside down by the arrival of Frances, a new lodger who holds modern views about what life can offer. And Mabel’s own sister, the mercenary Gwen, a typist obsessed with the cinema, has her own plans to escape.
Independence, romance and a life beyond stifling suburbia beckon. The consequences will be life-changing for everyone…
Both a humorous study of suburban manners and a serious look at the limits placed on young women in the roaring twenties, Distinguished Villa was the debut play of the distinguished Irish writer, Kate O’Brien, now rediscovered for a contemporary audience. When it premiered in the West End in 1926, the play was a hit despite being censored for its outspoken views.
COVID SAFE
As one of the most intimate theatre venues in London, we are taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety of performers, staff, and audience members during the current pandemic.
Audience members may be temperature-checked upon their arrival at the theatre, and we strongly recommend wearing a face mask at all times, including during the performance.
In order to ensure that the Finborough Theatre is still accessible for those who are CEV (Clinically Extremely Vulnerable) or those who would just prefer it, all Sunday matinee performances are Covid Pass Sundays when we will ask for proof of vaccination as well as mask wearing.
We have reduced our audience capacity to 85% and adjusted our ticket prices to reflect this. We have been reviewing these protocols every month and will lift them as soon as it is safe to do so.
For full information, please see our website.