FROM OUR SISTER SITE LONDON-THEATRELAND.CO.UK  

A spellbinding journey into the hopes and fears of a community in Depression era Duluth, Minnesota, Conor McPherson's expertly crafted show (a play with songs, not a musical) weaves Bob Dylan's back catalogue with heartbreaking stories in a way that I feel Dylan has always hoped someone would do.

Backed up by captivating performances from a heavily experienced cast, including the magnificent Shirley Henson as Elizabeth, a formerly doting mother struck down by the tragedy and subsequent weirdness of early onset dementia, Girl From The North Country excels at making you forget it's even got the Dylan name above the door, it feels wholly original. Ciaran Hinds is especially affecting as Nick, Elizabeth's husband, the guesthouse proprietor stuck between caring for her, a doomed affair and threats from the bank.

Segueing from speech to song in the hands of these two and the rest of the company, I found it an utterly gorgeous and heartrending experience at the theatre, one I recommend for any fan of new theatre, Dylan fan or not.

@ThisIsKittyMac on July 20th