National Theatre’s Dear Octopus is a charming revival of Dodie Smith’s family drama – review
Novelist and playwright Dodie Smith is best known for her children’s book The Hundred and One Dalmations – yes, that one – but she wrote several plays in her lifetime, and we’re delighted that the National Theatre have revived Dear Octopus.
The play debuted in 1938 and this is a quaint and charming revival which really seems to capture the essence of the time. Essentially it’s a family drama – it tells the story of four generations gathering over a long weekend to celebrate a golden wedding anniversary.
We’re introduced to Dora (Lindsay Duncan) and her husband Charles (Malcolm Sinclair) who have invited their extended family to mark 50 years together.
They are both excellent – Duncan has an incredible array of witty remarks and backhanded compliments, as well as a wonderful knack for always finding little jobs for people to do, while Sinclair has a disarming warmth and softness but knows how to be direct when necessary – they complement each other perfectly.
