The World Is Full of Married Men at the Yard theatre in London is a gloriously filthy puppet show adaptation of Jackie Collins' first novel. Directed by Erik Holmström and produced by the experimental Swedish company Malmö Dockteater, the production features repurposed Barbie dolls with pubic hair, gigantic erections and heavy breathing.
Plot and setting
The story, set in the swinging 60s film industry of Hampstead, follows Linda, a housewife stuck in a 1950s life of boredom and yearning, and her philandering husband David, who is having an affair with aspiring model Claudia. The narrative captures female ambition and infidelity in an era of predatory film directors, predating the #MeToo movement.
The miniature lightboxes, designed by Maja Kall, are laden with exquisite period detail, from 1960s wallpaper to intricately designed drinks cabinets, hotel rooms and nightclubs. The puppeteers, Erik Olsson and Kajsa Ericsson, voice all characters and occasionally appear as lifesize versions of the dolls, with videographer Josefin Beischer relaying the action on a big screen.
Critical response
The show is scripted in Swedish and translated by Lulu Raczka. It includes graphic sound effects during sex scenes and splices puppet world with human actors, highlighting the comedy and infusing the dolls with humanity. The reviewer calls it one of the best shows of the year, noting its left-field weirdness and universal truths about sexual relationships and inequality that remain relevant today.
The production runs at the Yard theatre, London, until 1 August.
