Olivier-winning director Richard Eyre makes writing debut with political play The Snail House – review
Richard Eyre’s writing debut has been a long time coming. The veteran director, recognised numerous times at the Olivier Awards (including with a lifetime achievement award), finally turned his hand to writing during the pandemic.
The result is The Snail House, a two-hour political play which premiered earlier this week at the Hampstead Theatre. Eyre – the former artistic director of the National Theatre – also directs the show, which features Vincent Franklin in the lead role.
Franklin – perhaps best known for his TV work, as one of the leads in Russell T Davies’ hit shows Cucumber and Banana (but also from major BBC shows including Bodyguard and The Thick of It) – plays the role of Neil, who we assume is based on Chris Whitty.
Neil is a renowned medical advisor to the government, who has played a leading role offering guidance during the pandemic, and has recently been knighted for his services to public health; the premise of the play is that he’s throwing a party for family and friends to celebrate.
