Middle: A play about everyone’s parents at some point in life

By Alex Cimpeanu

“Why don’t you use the microwave?” are the first words that come out almost immediately after the curtain’s up.

The latest play at the National Theatre is out and it’s not an easy watch. It’s the second of three parts by writer David Eldridge, and it shows the frustrations that can come up in a marriage. It’s the kind of play that asks for you to have a drink before going in, because you know it will be intense.

Photo via Unsplash

It tells the story of Maggie, played by Claire Rushbrook, and Gary, played by Daniel Ryan both around 50 years old, who are having a hard time, well…loving each other. They have both sacrificed and compromised parts of their life for their daughter Arabella, and had never talked about their issues.

“My heartache wasn’t even mine anymore,” Maggie shouts desperately at one point during the play.

It’s relatable in the way that it portrays a couple that seems familiar to everyone. Their discussion is very possible and has partly happened in many married couples. Their frustrations are valid and almost equally understandable.

Eldridge's play tackles difficult subjects such as fertility, cheating, and violence.

Check out this Youtube video by the National Theatre to understand more about the making of the play:

The room is full, and the audience is either laughing at the typicality of the characters, or gasping at the sharp, hurtful words they say.

It’s Olivia Reed’s, third play at the National Theatre, in 2 months since she moved to London. She’s 24, works at Greenwich University and thinks going to the theatre is a great way to spend time, especially when you don’t know that many people yet.

“The play was amazing, it felt like you were there,” she said. “I think it was also really difficult to make,” she added. Truth is, there wasn’t even an interval, and the two actors argued on scene for almost two hours.

“I got my ticket for 10 pounds, it’s crazy that we can get them for so little as young people,” she said.

Middle is running from 27th April to the 18th of June 2022.

National Theatre is selling £10 tickets to anyone between 16 and 25, on a first-come first-served basis. They are also offering apprenticeships and placements to young people interested in a career in theatre.

Head over to their website to find out more: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk