Ingenious and riveting, the Rose’s latest show – Shooting Hedda Gabler – enthralled last night’s audience.

It’s an innovative new drama that owes its existence to a lockdown, distanced conversation in a park between the Kingston theatre’s artistic director Christopher Haydon and playwright Nina Segal. 

The lights come up on a Norwegian film set, where a modern, no-limits shoot of Ibsen’s tragedy is supposedly taking place, with Segal’s bold, sweary script capturing the tensions between the cast and director, while probing the cracks where life and art blur. 

Antonia Thomas takes the role of Hedda… commanding the stage as she wrestles with her past as parts of it appear to have been woven into the plot of the movie. 

The intriguing story sees her ex, played by Avi Nash, brought into the film shoot by the scheming director (Christian Rubeck), while other cast members (played by Joshua James and Matilda Bailes) and producer Berta (Anna Andresen) react – uncertain if they’re acting or not. 

There’s also a satisfying sub-plot; a clever satire on modern film and play requirements such as the endless form-filling seemingly required if anyone feels affected by something, and the presence of a coach to police the sex scenes. 

Well worth a watch, this mesmerising show runs until Oct 21. 

Main picture shows Antonia Thomas and Joshua James. All pics by Andy Paradise