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Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons

Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons at Manchester Opera House

profoundly funny, dangerous and moving

Director Josie Rourke

Why see Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons?

a love story that leaves you speechless

Oliver and Bernadette are just like any other couple getting to know each other; except they live under a totalitarian regime that strictly limits their expression to 140 words a day. 

Jenna Coleman and Aidan Turner star in this revival of Sam Steiner's genius 2015 play about language directed by Josie Rourke. Taking the show on the road after a winter season at London's Harold Pinter Theatre, don't miss this dazzling duo in Steiner's surreal and timely debut, as they grapple with communication and self-expression in a Twitter-Esque nightmare that explores the power and poignancy of language. Calling it: "a romcom about communication on both a personal and political scale", Steiner added, "I think the play's central exploration of the way we derive meaning from language, its capacity to both liberate and limit us, to connect us and keep us apart, has only grown more resonant in the years since it was written."

No strangers to the stage, Coleman was last seen in The Old Vic's All My Sons in 2019. Turner in turn smashed it in Martin McDonaugh's bonkers dark comedy the Lieutenant of Inishmore in 2018. 

Reviews

Customer reviews

12 reviews, average rating: (3.6 Stars)

Yasmin Al-Sheklly

A funny and engaging play where the Hush Law is the centre of the action

What is the plot about? The plot centres around Bernadette (Jenna Coleman) who is a Family Lawyer from a working class family and Oliver (Aiden Turner) who is a musician from a wealthy family. They meet at a pet cemetery for the funeral of a cat. This is where their relationship kicks off. We then witness that the Hush Law has been passed where they are only allowed to use 140 words a day. We get to see two opposite characters. Bernadette is cool and is laid back. She accepts this law and believes that it should be followed. On the other hand Oliver cares about money and makes up his own rules. He is also very blunt in his ways. It beautifully explores the impact of this law on people’s lives. It has an open ending portraying that the circumstances and the words that we use in life situations is like a rollercoaster. It never ends. What themes are explored in this play? The themes that are explored in this production are love, social class and division, adultery, jealousy, communication, careers and law. Cast Bernadette (Jenna Coleman) and Oliver (Aiden Turner) were a beautiful partnership on stage. They had bags of charisma and wit. Their stage presence was so natural. Their acting was exquisite to watch even at times when their relationship was in rocky waters. When they ran out of words their acting went up a notch particularly with their facial expressions and their body language was so convincing. In addition their chemistry on stage was incredible to watch. Jenna Coleman is strong and feisty but with a soft warm personality. Aiden Turner on the other hand is a confident and outspoken person but his vulnerability is evident when the law is passed. We connect with them as their issues are relatable to most people. They made it seem easy despite their roles being complex with multiple layers featuring brilliant moments of humour, There was also romance, pain and conflict all within this unique concept of a play. Sets The set was simple and effective. It is set against a backdrop of various compartmental items. The main stage was free meaning that it was used to full effect. There is lots of detail which included fascinating objects featuring tyres, jugs, files, vases, shoes, plates, glasses, bin bags, a car bumper and headlights. Different parts of the stage would lit up to indicate location such as lamps and a bedhead for the bedroom. Humour There were some great moments that were hilarious in this show. This was particularly when the pair ran out of words and used other ways of communication including Morse Code and Sign Language. In addition when they shortened words such as “sorf” for sort off and “Insteadf” for instead of was very funny too. Lighting The use of lighting was superb. It was cleverly used to distinguish between the pre-law and post-law scenes. This would include warm welcoming lights against a stark strip light. This really helps us to keep track of time. There was also a clock that lit up to show us that there is pressure on the first day of the new law. If you love a show with brilliant acting, a great story with moments of humour that is fresh and modern then Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons is the show for you. ... Read more

A preston

Where was Jenna?

The sound wasn’t the best particularly at the beginning when one needed to tune in I guess. The understudy was good but unexpected. Maybe Aiden turner and Jenna Coleman have more chemistry? Nevertheless they both worked hard and overall I enjoyed the play ... Read more

Dee

Excellent

I don't understand why people were saying it was a surprise that Jenna wasn't playing. There was a big sign outside telling you this. I loved the play. Interesting and thought provoking. Both actors were brilliant and they had great chemistry. Wish I could see it again. ... Read more
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