Review: ROSE, Park Theatre London

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

This Park Theatre production marks the revival of Martin Sherman’s Rose, which was first performed in 1999 at the then-Cottesloe (now Dorfman) Theatre at the National Theatre. 

It is a stark show in which we are the audience to one woman – Rose – reflecting on her restless life of fleeing persecution and chasing dreams as she sits shivah. Rose is a huge monologue that sweeps across continents, philosophies, terror and love, humbly packaged as the musings of an elderly woman.

Sherman’s script is powerfully understated – steered by the plot and letting the reality of the political, religious and racial persecutions of the 20th century do the talking. The play really springs to life when Rose’s feisty personality enters the mix, giving this often-harrowing tale of survival some much-needed warmth and intimacy.

Maureen Lipman is magnetic as Rose – poised and dignified, with carefully meted emotions and dry Jewish humour.

The direction and design show great restraint and everything is pulled back to allow Rose’s voice to carry; this is her moment and her story to be heard and remembered.

At two and a half hours long, this is no easy undertaking for both performer and audience but thinking about the epic journey and sufferings of the eponymous character, perhaps the least we can do is sit and listen.

An important play that urges audiences to remember the lessons of the past and the individuals who make up history.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Livvy Perrett

Rose plays at the Park Theatre until 15 October, with tickets available here.