As a theatre critic and patron of the arts I am always looking for new and exciting productions I can experience. Such is the case with the latest from Immigrant’s Daughter and Lil Poppet Productions and their staging of the play Misery. It is unlike anything I have ever been a part of before, and definitely one of the theatrical highlights of 2024.

Misery is a play adapted by William Goldman from the popular novel by Stephen King. It was made into an Oscar winning film starring Kathy Bates and James Caan and adapted into the play in 1992 for a premiere in the West End in London.

The premise is simple (which most good horror is simple in my experience.) A man Paul wakes up from an accident finding he has been ‘rescued’ by a woman named Annie who claims to be the ‘world’s biggest fan’ of his writing. As it turns out she has crossed that bridge from fan to psychopath and we spend the next 2 hours with mostly these two characters in a tit-for-tat over control, manipulation and obsession.

Director Morag Shepherd is brilliant to stage the play in the ceramics room at Westminster College. The small setting allows for the actors to be in close contact with the audience so it becomes an immersive experience. I think I had the best seat in the entire group and many times Tyson Baker looked directly into my eyes as he desperately tries to figure out how he can get out of this insane situation. I can’t think of a time when I have been more connected to a performance in my life as a theatregoer.

Stephanie Stroud is also brilliant as Annie. She has the cadence and mousiness the role requires but it feels totally believable when she transitions into her darkest tendencies. Both actors put their entire body and souls into the performances, and I find it hard to believe they have the mental strength to do what they did on a daily basis and sometimes twice a day.

Unfortunately today is the last day for Misery but I know I will definitely have my eye on Immigrant’s Daughter and Morag Shepherd in the future because this was truly an unforgettable experience. I only wish the run was longer so more could experience it. You can find out more about the company here.

If you enjoy my writing and would like me to review your production I’d love to. I also have a patreon which is a great way to support my shorter logs for shows I don’t get to review. I have some really fun perks. Please take a look here.