James Norton's stage adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara's novel 'A Little Life' has opened in London's West End to mixed reviews, ranging from two to five stars. The play, which runs 3 hours and 40 minutes, depicts graphic scenes of self-harm and sexual abuse, leaving critics divided on its merits.
Norton plays Jude, a protagonist who self-harms after suffering unrelenting childhood abuse. His performance has been widely praised, with Variety calling it 'utterly dedicated' and the Daily Express awarding the show five stars, describing it as 'utterly compelling' and 'industrial strength theatre'. However, the Financial Times gave three stars, noting the 'relentless pile-up of pain' as a flaw in the adaptation.
Critics highlighted the challenge of translating the 814-page novel to stage, with some arguing the condensed format amplifies trauma without respite. The Telegraph's Dominic Cavendish gave four stars, stating the agony 'doesn't feel gratuitous', while iNews also awarded four stars, calling it 'the most gruelling piece of theatre I can recall seeing'.
The production features a versatile set by Jan Versweyveld, with video projections of New York streetscapes. The Dutch adaptation of the play received mostly positive reviews in Edinburgh in 2022, and the West End transfer has drawn both praise and criticism for its unflinching portrayal of suffering.
