The world of 1960s London springs to raunchy life on stage at The Yard theatre in London, as Malmö Dockteater's daring adaptation of Jackie Collins' 'The World Is Full of Married Men' brings the bestselling bonkbuster novel into a whole new dimension. This riotous reimagining is not for the faint of heart – think Barbie dolls getting down and dirty, their pubic hair and exaggerated features set to bring the house down in a blaze of laughter and lust.
Under the deft direction of Erik Holmström, who also designed the wickedly inventive puppets, this production takes no prisoners. The doll's houses are a marvel of miniature design, complete with period-perfect details from 1960s wallpaper to swanky drinks cabinets and – yes – even shag-carpeted hotel rooms that'll make you want to jump into the action.
The story itself is a searing portrayal of 60s marriage in all its messy glory. Linda's trapped, David's cheating, and Claudia's got her sights set on stardom at any cost. It's a potent exploration of female ambition, the predatory nature of the film industry, and the secrets that lurk beneath the surface of even the most respectable-looking marriages – and it's as relevant today as it was back then.
The action unfolds with dizzying speed, thanks to two ace puppeteers, Erik Olsson and Kajsa Ericsson, who voice all the characters and sometimes pop up on stage as their larger-than-life counterparts. It's a masterclass in comedic timing, courtesy of videographer Josefin Beischer's roving camera, which broadcasts the mayhem onto a giant screen for our benefit.
This is not your average theatre experience – but it's one you won't want to miss. Critics are raving about its originality and the sheer craftsmanship that's gone into bringing Collins' world to life in such an audacious way. It's a game-changer, and we can't wait to see what they do next.
The show's bold approach has been praised for capturing the essence of Collins' work and its enduring truths about sex, relationships, and inequality – it's a wild ride that'll leave you breathless and begging for more. So, get ready to experience 'The World Is Full of Married Men' like never before.