Frozen
Frozen
Directed by Jonathan Munby
One sunny evening a young girl walks to visit her Grandma, she never arrives…
Frozen is a play written by Bryony Lavery. A psychological thriller about a girl that goes missing, it had successful runs both in Broadway and Off-broadway, being nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play in 2004 and earned a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play (Brian F. O'Byrne).
Starring Suranne Jones (Doctor Foster, Scott & Bailey), Jason Watkins (Line of Duty, Taboo, W1A) and Nina Sosanya (W1A, Last Tango in Halifax), Frozen will play for a limited 12 week run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from Friday 9 February 2018.
What Is Frozen About?
FROZEN is a play set in England, and it has 3 main characters. It starts with each character's own version of the story, but soon the audience is presented with the intertwining of their stories, as they connect with one another over a very important and painful event. This starts an 'unfreezing' process between them, as they learn about forgiveness and compassion.
Frozen was first staged at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1998, when it won a prestigious Barclay Award for Best New Play. It then made its debut at the Royal National Theatre in 2002, before transferring to New York for an Off-Broadway and Broadway run respectively, where it was received well by critics and audiences.
The writer Bryony Lavery is know for being skilled at approaching uncomfortable subjects with warmth, tenderness, some sense of humour and compassion.
The Guardian reviewed the play as "a big, brave, compassionate play about grief, revenge, forgiveness and bearing the unbearable.". The New York Times called it a "humane and intelligent drama".
- Duration
The duration of the show is approx 2 hours and 30 minutes including a 20 minute interval.
- Good To Know
The appearance of any particular artist cannot be guaranteed. If in doubt please check with the Box Office before booking.
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds or exchanges after purchase.
- How Does It Work
You will receive a confirmation email. Please print this email and bring it with you and present to the Box Office. We recommend you arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the show.
- Suitable For Children
Suitable for age 15+. The play contains very strong language and content that some may find disturbing.
- Where Do I Go
Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HT.
By Tube: Piccadilly Circus; Leicester Square or Charing Cross Tube Station
Reviews
Pam Watt
May 11, 2018
Was so disappointed not to see Suranne Jones as she was the very reason I booked tickets, having no idea what the play was about. However, my disappointment did not last for long as Jason Watkins was absolutely amazing, he drew me in within the first 5 minutes. Understudy did an amazing performance.
et
May 9, 2018
A thoughful and engrossing play by an accomplished playwright excellently served by a talented and conscientious cast. It is a genuine accomplishment to be able to address difficult material in a manner that evokes compassion and thought rather than shock and distress. I have already recommended the play to both friends and strangers.
Susan Stanford
May 9, 2018
A harrowing and chilling subject. Was disappointed not to see Suranne Jones but her understudy was brilliant. Jason Watkins was outstanding as the terrifying child killer. Brilliant!
B Edwards
May 8, 2018
Having booked these tickets months in advance as an avid fan of Suranne Jones and her previous work, I was exceptionally disappointed to find out on arrival that she was sick and would not be performing. One can appreciate that illness occurs but not being informed until arriving at the theatre is unacceptable. Though I appreciate Suranne's understudy had a very difficult task, to try and please hundreds of disappointed fans, sadly her acting skills were far below par! With an awful accent and forced monologue during scenes, I felt like I could have done a better job myself! The only partial saving grace was Jason Watkins. He delivered difficult material in an exceptional manner, managing to engage an otherwise despondent audience. I would not recommend this play. Themes of child abduction and rape made all the more difficult by poor acting by all but one members of the cast!
Andy Smith
May 8, 2018
Difficult to say 'enjoyed :due to the subject matter. Jason played his part extremely well. It must have taken a lot out of him. Such a shame that Sharon Jones was ill but her understudy did a good job.
Samantha Cogan
May 7, 2018
Shame Syranne Jones was unwell but Roisin Rae stepped up and was great. The story and how it was portrayed was gripping. Well done to all involved.
Mary B
May 7, 2018
Difficult topic dealt with really well. It raised all kinds of questions about the causes of paedophilia and their treatment. Acting fantastic. and the performance of the understudy who took over from Suranne Jones was exceptional.
LS
May 7, 2018
The cast were amazing especially the understudy, we went to the matinee showing on the last day - hats off to her for a superb performance. Jason Watkins and Nina Sosanya were magnificent. I found the whole subject appalling but treated in a no nonsense way. All the medical and psychological terms brought to life by Sosanya interesting and the use of the little girl added gravitas, well done all concerned.
Lucy
May 6, 2018
I loved this play, Jason Watkins was outstanding. Would highly recommend.
Nicky
May 6, 2018
Show was well done but really dissapointed as understudy in place of Suranne Jones, so not the experience we had hoped for.
Lynda Brignall
May 6, 2018
Liked the concept but the pedo was too creepy, good acting, the academic was wooden and the stand in was more like Sally Webster off Coronation Street. We left at the interval. Wasn’t worth getting the last train home as planned. Sorry.
Suzana
May 6, 2018
We really wanted to see Suranne, and unfortunately she did not play which was disappointing... the subject of the play was interesting but I didn’t actually realise that it will go in such details with regards to the psychology causes and effects of trauma. It felt like a seminary on the subject of mass murderers.
Christine
May 6, 2018
Very good acting but distressing subject matter and really disappointed that Suranne Jones was ill, Roisin Rae however did very well, congratulations! Being ex criminal justice staff it was like being back at work, it was very well done!
Susan
May 6, 2018
Very enjoyable but very disappointing that Suranne Jones wasn't in it
Miranda
May 6, 2018
Gutted Suranne didn’t perform the role of Nancy. Whilst it was a good play this over-shadowed the evening. Real shame...
Gilly Naylor
May 5, 2018
Excellent even though Suranne wasn’t performing due to illness. My two other favourite actors were really good in fact Jason was amazing. Suranne’s understudy was excellent, I could imagine Suranne doing the role. Love thrillers and not seen one on stage before really well done, atmospheric. Wonderful highlight to our Mr stay in London
J and A
May 5, 2018
Dark, disturbing but a brilliant performance.
Rachael
May 5, 2018
Well acted & enjoyed overall but tickets were mainly booked to see Suranne Jones who unfortunately was absent due to illness on 4th May. I’d also paid over £150 for 2 tickets on line & tickets issued said £65 each....was there a £20+ booking fee then? We sat in row C in the stalls would recommend a little further back to avoid neck ache by the end! Disappointed as don’t often get too London to see a show!
Lucy
May 5, 2018
The play was dark, intense and thought provoking. Unfortunately, Suranne wasn’t in the performance we went to see and we were bitterly disappointed about this as she was the main reason we booked it. The understudy did a good job though.
Jane Southampton
May 5, 2018
Acting was spot on, really drew you in would like to see it all over again, Understudy for Suranne Jones was very good although I was slightly disappointed I didn’t get to see Suranne hope she is better soon
Debbie Gray
May 5, 2018
A edge of your seat play ! A refreshing change from the normal Musical theatre acted extremely well Considering the subject matter A definitive five stars !
Lucy Haywood
May 5, 2018
Brillant Story Line, Gutted Suranne Jones was unable to perform as this is the main reason I wanted to see this play. Jason Watkins was amazing! He is truly fantastic!
Suzy
May 4, 2018
Utterly mesmerising APART from Suranne Jones who I’m sorry to say in my opinion has zero stage presence Her understudy came on in second act and was far more convincing and frankly a better stage actress
Vince Ion
May 4, 2018
Well that was challenging and brilliant at the same time. Well worth the journey. This play takes on a number of taboos and as I don't want to drop any spoilers, I will just add if it is on again either in London (this run ends on Saturday) or comes to a theatre near you then as long as you like to be challenged then go see.
Iain Smith
May 4, 2018
Flew down from Glasgow to see Suranne Jones and it was the understudy playing the part.
Hai Henley
May 4, 2018
Don't let the subject matter put you off. It's pretty dour but the acting is anything but, especially from Jason Watkins who is superb. Must mention the stand-in, too, Robin Rae ,after Surrane Jones was taken ill at the previous matinee. The theme, questioning whether people are born or made evil. will stay with me for a long time.
Karen Easton
May 4, 2018
Jason Watkins stole the show. Such a strong performance I actually believed the character was real !!!
K. Clarkson
May 4, 2018
Frozen was an excellent play very intense and the acting was superb. Suranne was sick so her understudy Roisin Rae played the part of Nancy absolutely wonderful acting. Throughly enjoyed this very dark and disturbing play.
Lorra
May 4, 2018
Brilliant! Sensitive and difficult subject but material handled in a thought provoking way. Wonderfully acted with outstanding performances from all 3 lead actors.
Alan Moore
May 4, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed the whole show.
Charlie
May 4, 2018
Fantastic performance from Jason Watkins. Overall, slightly dated feel about the production. A bit clunky, and the repetition of projections felt a bit of an easy aesthetic which didn’t really serve to move us about the tragedy, and more made it feel a bit surface and voyeuristic. Some of the emotional moments felt like they needed a bit more space to translate the very tragic human experience that was going on. It all felt a bit quick fire and formulaic. However Watkins’ performance was great, many layered and disturbingly ‘real’ and human.
Peter Mason
May 4, 2018
A very intense and captivating drama. Jason Watkins was superb and Suranne Jones's understudy was amazing, stepping in part way through the first act.
Rodders
May 4, 2018
Paid £76 each to see Suranne Jones but she came off just prior to interval unwell. Obviously not her fault and her understudy was excellent. Not sure so much swearing was necessary but Jason Watkins was excellent no doubt they all were.
Aref
May 4, 2018
First class live education for a training actor like myself. Every character was brought to life very authenticity by the actors.
Sue S
May 4, 2018
Outstanding performances from all actors.
Chris Millard
May 4, 2018
The play was powerfully played by all three actors . Unfortunately two thirds of the way thorough the first Act the curtain went down . We were told that there was a technical issue and after about 20minutes we were told that Suranne Jones would be unable to resume and the understudy would play the second Act . I was bitterly disappointed having seen Suranne play the first part and being a lover of the drama Dr Foster she was my main reason for booking the show . However nothing can be taken away from Toby Watkins who was nothing short of brilliant in a role that must have been extremely difficult
Michael Oxford
May 3, 2018
Whilst the storyline of the production was grim, the cast made it an engrossing night in. All three leads carried their roles off very well, especially Jason Watkins.
Carole T
May 3, 2018
Theatre is an extremely effective way to look at the uncomfortable subject of Peadoplillia This production has a set design and music to brilliantly create the sinister backdrop atmosphere in which the actors perform to examine from the mother’s the paedophile and the experts points of view on how the ‘missing child’ affects their lives Tremendous acting particularly ‘ the paedophile’ is amazing Totally believable and raises big questions about if he can help it and how those affected cope Totally riveting theatre Thank you
KW
May 3, 2018
Fantastic actors, not enough content for a play this long
Perkins
May 3, 2018
Fantastic acting
Jmould
May 3, 2018
Fantastic performance from three superb actors. Jason Watkins plays the role of Ralph Wantage perfectly, so believable and convincing.
Lesley
May 3, 2018
Difficult subject matter, excellent acting by all three actors, especially Jason Watkins - very creepy and chilling
Yofkie
May 3, 2018
An outstanding performance from all 3actors
Carold
May 3, 2018
Well acted but extremely bleak - I probably should've done more research into the subject matter - just love Suranne & Tim though Don't get Gallery seats no matter how reasonably priced they are- my back is still paying today!
Izenteeth
May 3, 2018
The cast performed this difficult but exceptional play with great integrity, bravery and skill. All three at the top of their game and as a woman and mother, I left the theatre moved and empowered.
Francesca
May 3, 2018
I didn't realise how brutal the subject was, I thought it was very interesting to see all 3 ways of looking at the situation. Very emotional, made me speechless. I don't think you could have found 3 better actors to do such a good job and perform so well. the body language was even more powerful than the words. loved it and would recommend it to everyone who can handle this subject.
Msry
May 3, 2018
Superb. Performances from all the cast . Disturbing storyline but keeps you riveted. I usually have a cheeky 10 minute snooze however much I’m enjoying the show but not this time ! Really enjoyed it - tremendous actors .
Lizzie
May 3, 2018
Acting was so brilliant - in fact superbly so but content very harrowing to sit through. Not really an uplifting night out.
Cara
May 2, 2018
Amazing!
r1121
May 2, 2018
This was just dull, we never returned after the interval.