A new play at London's Jermyn Street Theatre, inspired by the story of American heiress Patty Hearst, explores themes of power and privilege through a fictional lens. Written by Katherine Moar, the drama reimagines the aftermath of Hearst's kidnapping and subsequent conviction for a bank robbery carried out by the Symbionese Liberation Army.
The play centres on a fictional encounter between heiress Holly, played by Abigail Cruttenden, and the attorney Robert, portrayed by Nathaniel Parker, who lost her case decades earlier. Now a celebrity lawyer in California, Robert faces allegations of sexual misconduct and invites Holly to his apartment, hoping she will speak out on his behalf—an ironic reversal given his earlier scepticism of her rape claim.
Set in 2017, months before the Harvey Weinstein allegations, the narrative shifts between the present and the 1970s, using flashbacks with younger versions of the characters (Katie Matsell and Ben Lamb). Directed by Josh Seymour, the production sees older characters interacting with their younger selves, creating an audacious theatricality.
Neither protagonist is particularly likeable; Holly is self-regarding and entitled, while Robert is odious. Yet Moar's script highlights how privilege does not shield Holly from powerlessness. The play excels in combative dialogue, though it struggles to find a definitive ending. Moar's debut, Farm Hall, also premiered at this theatre before a West End transfer, and Ragdoll shows similar potential.
