Allegra by Peter Quilter
Harold Pinter Theatre
This seemingly frothy play with music is a vehicle for Dame Maureen Lipman. She plays Allegra, a woman with a pathological desire to burst into song. Allegra is motivated to brighten the mood of those around her, even at the most inappropriate moments. She drives the locals crazy and must be medicated to squash her provocations. This reduces her to an almost -comatose state. Inspiring happiness is deemed to be anti-English. It must be punished.
So far, so silly. Or is it? Underneath the humour, the gags and the wackiness of the concept, is a serious subtext which promotes neurodiversity and eccentricity. Allegra is a critique on national gloom and cynicism.
Audiences who come to the West End performance are mostly Coronation Street fans and those who love Maureen Lipman’s panache, many skills and charisma. She is wonderful in the central role and her performance has many levels of brilliance. The audience is also a participant when the fourth wall smashes. Punters sing along in the tradition of English music hall and are happily surprised when they discover themselves cast as patients in a care home.
Elizabeth Bower, Bailey Patrick and John Middleton are strong support in an excellent cast. This is a touching and entertaining West End show which has unexpected depths.
Julia Pascal © 2026.
Allegra by Peter Quilter
Harold Pinter Theatre
This seemingly frothy play with music is a vehicle for Dame Maureen Lipman. She plays Allegra, a woman with a pathological desire to burst into song. Allegra is motivated to brighten the mood of those around her, even at the most inappropriate moments. She drives the locals crazy and must be medicated to squash her provocations. This reduces her to an almost -comatose state. Inspiring happiness is deemed to be anti-English. It must be punished.
So far, so silly. Or is it? Underneath the humour, the gags and the wackiness of the concept, is a serious subtext which promotes neurodiversity and eccentricity. Allegra is a critique on national gloom and cynicism.
Audiences who come to the West End performance are mostly Coronation Street fans and those who love Maureen Lipman’s panache, many skills and charisma. She is wonderful in the central role and her performance has many levels of brilliance. The audience is also a participant when the fourth wall smashes. Punters sing along in the tradition of English music hall and are happily surprised when they discover themselves cast as patients in a care home.
Elizabeth Bower, Bailey Patrick and John Middleton are strong support in an excellent cast. This is a touching and entertaining West End show which has unexpected depths.
Julia Pascal © 2026.
By Julia Pascal • added recently on London Grip, music, plays, theatre • Tags: Julia Pascal, music, plays, theatre