Botticelli’s Angels
A staged reading at the Jack Studio Theatre, London
Female Arts Review by Michael Davis
“Jim Conway as Frank is the beating heart of the play, wearing his pain and exasperation for all to see. His raw, truthful performance is complemented by Dylan Kennedy’s Johnny whose levity and sardonic nature keeps Frank in check.”
“Of course the contributions by Laura Harling and Matthew Parker (who also work together under the artistic venture of First Draft Theatre) cannot be overstated. Harling’s emotional journey as Ursula – from up-beat but inexperienced counsellor to shaken-to-the-core widow – is arresting, while Parker’s direction grounds the story, despite the strong emotions involved. All of this would be nothing without McGrath’s inspired writing that fleshes out believable characters and mines the dramatic wealth from coming to terms with the past.”
Read the full review here.
British Theatre Guide Review by Sandra Giorgetti
“Jim Conway gives a powerful performance as Frank. One might have accepted less for a staged reading, but the emotional investment was unstinting and moving.”
“Dylan Kennedy’s Johnny is charming and energetic; Laura Harling fought through a nervous start to realise the role of Ursula in the second act.”
“Director Matthew Parker did a splendid job pacing the narrative and in counter–balancing the pathos with the humour, not letting either tip too far.”
“Write Now 5 comes to its climax with the full production of the winning play, Pool. The bar has been set high by Botticelli’s Angels so visitors to The Jack next week should have something big to look forward to.”
Read the full review here.
Testimonials
Helen Perry
BBC Radio Drama (2012)
“I was lucky enough to see THE SISTERS OF MERCY & REDEMPTION at The Brockley Jack Theatre in November 2011. I thought it was a very powerful, thought provoking piece of writing about the abuse of children at the hands of the Catholic Church. It tackled huge subjects delicately and felt authentic. Instead of veering into melodrama it remained emotionally engaging and it managed to to be light and humorous at times.
After watching the performance I felt compelled to contact Gemma. She subsequently delivered a number of Radio Drama ideas, all of which were interesting and had real merit. I believe Gemma Mills McGrath is a talented writer with real potential.”
Aaron Hubbard
Head of Development, The Fyzz Limited
“I have known Gemma for 4 years or more,, during which time I have read a great deal of her work, and I have always been impressed with her storytelling ability. Equally adept at characterisation, plotting, pace and dialogue, Gemma creates living, breathing worlds that are immediately engaging and emotionally satisfying. Most recently I had the pleasure of reading her latest play, The Sisters of Mercy and Redemption. I was struck by the emotional honesty of this piece of writing (Gemma isn’t afraid to shy away from difficult subject matter), and would highly recommend it….
My job involves reading between 2-4 feature screenplays a week. I can safely say that Gemma’s work has always stood out from the pack. She is a talented writer, a great communicator and a brilliant collaborator.”
Dan Herd
Artistic Associate, Soho Theatre
“I first encountered Gemma’s work as a facilitator for one of our intensive Clinics at Soho Theatre, over the course of which I was able to meet and read the work of over 20 playwrights. Of all of these individuals, Gemma stood out as possessing an artistic voice filled with empathy, passion and compelling insightfulness. Her play – The Sisters of Mercy and Redemption – is a visceral example of this ever-developing voice seizing hold of a story and characters that both move and stimulate the reader. I truly believe that any support that she can receive in the development of this play (and as a playwright) will be rewarded in full with committment, and artistic success.”
