Barcelona
Duke of Yorks Theatre
Until January 11th 2025
Best known for the frothy Netflix comedy drama Emily in Paris, actress Lily Collins steps completely away from her bubbly image this week and makes her stage debut at London’s Duke of Yorks Theatre. She stars in Barcelona, an intoxicating and heady two hander alongside Álvaro Morte (Money Heist).
Written by Bess Wohl, the drama is set in a small flat in central Barcelona. It sets off with a steamy start as the two characters Irene and Miguel tumble passionately through the door of the apartment in the early hours having drunkenly hooked up at a local bar.
As the night progresses into early morning the chatty American and the broody Spaniard explore their differences as they find out about each other. The play delves into the complexities of personal struggles, relationships and love against a backdrop of political intrigue and questions what patriotism truly is. It challenges what makes someone proud to be who they are? Is it where you happen to be born or what you have achieved?
Collins and Morte are strong characters throughout and hold the audience in rapt attention. Lily Collins’ stage debut is a success, she is vivacious and spirited but is equally able to show true vulnerability as her true feelings come to light. Morte is equally as captivating as he delineates Miguel’s personal demons as he slowly opens to Irene to finally reveal a shocking life changing secret.
Whereas Barcelona does have light moments, ultimately Lynette Linton has directed a thought provoking and sober piece. It leaves the audience wondering what is next for Irene and Miguel after their evening of revelations and decisions.
Worth seeing.
Reviewer: Sammi O’Neill
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Barcelona is 90 minutes long without an interval