Underdog: The Other Other Brontë is a surprisingly funny look at the sisters’ lives – review
We’re big fans of the Dorfman Theatre – the smallest of three spaces within London’s National Theatre, it regularly hosts some exciting new plays.
Underdog: The Other Other Brontë opened earlier in April and is another fresh and inventive original play: written by Sarah Gordon, it tells the story of the three Brontë sisters – Charlotte (Gemma Whelan), Emily (Adele James) and Anne (Rhiannon Clements) and their brother Branwell (James Phoon).
Directed by Natalie Ibu, it moves at a punchy pace, with two acts of about an hour each. Stylistically it’s an unusual period-modern blend, featuring some traditional costuming and very much set during their lifetimes, yet with elements of contemporary fashion and a handful of present-day references.
Despite the name, it feels as though the show is predominantly about Charlotte – playing the role of host, she occasionally addresses the audience directly and provides narrative links between scenes – it all feels as though we’re seeing her version of events, with a focus on her personal journey.
