‘Zelda’ is a beautifully written and excellently acted portrayal of the final days of Zelda Fitzgerald (wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald). Through this lyrical adaptation of Zelda’s letters, we are given a deep and moving portrait of both her later life in a sanatorium and also of her earlier years, before she was physically and mentally imprisoned by schizophrenia. Denise Paulette manages to weave the vivacity of Zelda’s former self into the anxious and tormented women that she becomes, while the play not only gives an insight into the life of Zelda Fitzgerald but also subtly reveals the life that she and her husband shared. Although slightly too long, this is for the most part captivating and insightful, for literature lovers and non-lovers alike.

Greenside, 20-25 Aug, 8.30pm
tw rating 4/5 | [India Doyle]