Review by Rosie Holmes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Originally premiering at the Chichester Festival Theatre and co-produced with Frantic Assembly, The House Party, a modern retelling of August Strindberg's controversial play Miss Julie, takes up residency at one of my favourite theatres, the Rose Theatre in Kingston. It features all the intensity, energy, and sharp examination of class that one would expect from such a reimagining. Fast-paced and full of tension, the play centres on the tangled relationships between Julie, a rich and spoilt young woman; her best friend, Christine; and Christine’s boyfriend, Jon—who is also the son of Julie’s former cleaner. What starts as a lively, teenage house party quickly spirals into a night that unravels friendships, exposes deep insecurities, and confronts uncomfortable truths about class, privilege, and betrayal.
The play opens with a scene that instantly evokes the excitement and anticipation of a party. The living room, littered with ASOS bags and the first drinks of the night, sets the tone—expectations are high and anything could happen. The energy is infectious, but this is no ordinary house party. By the end of the evening, everything will change for these characters. Julie’s boyfriend has just dumped her, Christine and Jon dream of a future together, but this night will test their relationships in ways they couldn’t imagine.
At its core, Laura Lomas' adaptation of The House Party seeks to update Strindberg’s original play for a 21st-century audience, and in doing so, it brings into sharp focus the themes of class, power, and privilege that remain as relevant today as ever. Unlike Strindberg’s Miss Julie, where the cook is the central character caught in a class struggle, here, Christine is Julie’s best friend, making the emotional betrayal by Julie all the more poignant and devastating. The divide between class and privilege is more nuanced in this version, adding a layer of complexity to the characters and their struggles.
What truly stands out in this production is the phenomenal performance of the young cast. Synnøve Karlsen as Julie delivers a gripping portrayal of a character who is both heartbreaking and frustrating. Karlsen’s Julie is selfish yet deeply vulnerable, and her heartbreak is palpable. Sesley Hope as Christine complements Karlsen perfectly, bringing both humour and charisma to the role, but then switching on us, delivering a devastating performance as we see their dreams of the future collapse before our very eyes. The chemistry between these two actresses is electric, and their scenes together are among the most compelling of the evening. Tom Lewis, as the young and naive Jon, provides an excellent contrast to the two women, navigating his own role in the class struggle without fully understanding the impact of his actions.
Technically, The House Party is a triumph. Frantic Assembly’s choreography, with the use of an ensemble cast, builds the energy of the play. The large, often chaotic dance scenes evoke the frenzy of a house party and ensure that the momentum of the production never falters. Giles Thomas’ soundscape amplifies the tension, while the digital clock that looms in the background serves as both a literal countdown to the end of the night and a metaphor for Christine’s diminishing hopes for the future. The large stage at the Rose Theatre is used to great effect, allowing for multiple levels and interruptions that create a sense of voyeurism, as we glimpse the characters’ secret actions and unravel their psyches.
The decision to make The House Party a one-act play is a wise one as the tension remains taut throughout, and the cast’s dynamic performances carry the show. However, the final scene, which shows the characters ten years after the events of the party, feels somewhat unnecessary. While it aims to give a sense of closure, it detracts from the frenetic energy and focus of the earlier part of the play, pulling the audience out of the immersive world the young cast has so effectively created.
Overall, The House Party is a resounding success. Led by a talented, energetic cast, this modern retelling is a searing, honest examination of class and privilege. It’s as intense as it is enthralling, a play that captivates from start to finish and leaves you reflecting long after the final scene.
The House Party plays at Rose Theatre until 22nd March 2025.
Tickets from: https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/310/a-modern-reimagining-of-august-strindberg-s-miss-julie/the-house-party
Photos by Ikin Yum