Kristin Scott Thomas Accuses Male Theatre Critics of Misunderstanding Women's Plays
Kristin Scott Thomas has launched a pointed critique against male theatre critics, asserting they frequently fail to comprehend plays written by women and centred on female experiences. The acclaimed actor made these remarks while accepting the inaugural leading light award at the Women's Prize for Playwriting ceremony in London, a new honour that recognises lifetime achievement by women in the arts.
Award Ceremony Highlights Gender Disparities in Theatre
During her acceptance speech, Scott Thomas emphasised the crucial role of female playwrights in her career, stating, "Where would I be without women playwrights? To be honest, absolutely nowhere." She highlighted the broader issue of gender inequality in theatre, referencing research that underscores the under-representation of women as playwrights and in senior creative roles across the sector.
The Women's Prize for Playwriting was established in 2019 to directly address these disparities. Organisers point to persistent structural barriers, such as caring responsibilities and uneven commissioning opportunities, which continue to hinder women's progress in the industry.
Specific Critiques of Male Critics' Responses
Scott Thomas cited her recent stage role in Penelope Skinner's play Lyonesse, which ran at the Harold Pinter theatre in 2023. The production, exploring themes of ambition, motherhood, and sexual violence, attracted strong audiences but received mixed reviews from critics.
"The play was mostly hated by the critics," she noted. "So why did people flock to the Pinter to catch it before we all vanished? A clue might be that many of the reviews were written by men who really didn't understand what it is to be a working mother or a child-free actress."
She recounted one particular instance where a male critic dismissed a female character's lament about her vagina as unrealistic, underscoring the need for women to voice their own experiences on stage. "We need women to write that," she insisted. "Men are beginning to see the light."
Impact of Female Storytelling and Public Discourse
Scott Thomas also praised Phoebe Waller-Bridge's writing, particularly her monologue on menstruation in Fleabag, which she performed. She described how this scene "ripped through the internet" and helped bring so-called female problems into mainstream conversation, even influencing legal changes.
"When Phoebe Waller-Bridge wrote Fleabag series two, she gave me the most fantastic scene about menstruation and metaphors, which ripped through the internet and helped bring what people used to call female problems right into the front row, and even get laws changed," she explained.
Industry Perspectives on Critical Reception
Speaking after the ceremony, Ellie Keel, co-founder of the Women's Prize for Playwriting and a producer, echoed Scott Thomas's concerns. She agreed that plays by women often receive a different critical reception, stating, "Lyonesse was received as a very mediocre play, when actually it wasn't. It feels like women writers are held to different standards, and written about in different ways."
Keel added, "We don't necessarily need more female critics. I just think the men should do better." This sentiment reflects ongoing debates about bias in theatre criticism, with reviews of Lyonesse illustrating the divide: The Stage's male critic awarded it four stars, while female critics gave it two stars each.
Commitment to Championing Female Writers
In her closing remarks, Scott Thomas reaffirmed her dedication to supporting female playwrights. "It isn't always easy to be a woman in the spotlight," she acknowledged. "But keeping the fires burning and the arguments flaring is something I relish and would not be able to do without writers."
Her comments underscore a broader call for greater inclusivity and understanding in theatre, as the industry continues to grapple with gender-based challenges in both creation and critique.
