What our readers say

What is it like reading this play now? 

It’s a timeless tale, about how we, like Biddy, often get caught up in chasing status and wealth, losing sight of what truly matters. But it’s also a story of finding yourself, just as Biddy does. Her transformation from a trophy wife to someone who understands and values the real beauty in life is inspiring. This play is a reminder that amidst our busy lives, we should pause and look for the real worth in things, not just what they’re priced at. It’s as relevant today as it was during the Thatcher era.

Is there a standout line or passage?

A standout line that encapsulates the play’s thematic essence is spoken by the character Stephen. He says:

“Look at a Titian. A Velasquez. A Turner. Maybe it’s not the good but it’s wonder and that’s a start. […] Twenty years ago I knew exactly what was right for the world, what art, what politics. I’m not sure about anything anymore.”

This line reflects the play’s exploration of the art world’s shifting values, the complexities of moral judgments in a rapidly changing society, and a sense of disillusionment with the contemporary world. It captures the characters’ struggles with their ideals and the reality they face, resonating with the play’s broader themes of authenticity, value, and societal change​.

If you like this play, you might also like… 

“Serious Money” by Caryl Churchill also critiques the financial world’s excesses and greed.

“The Secret Rapture” by David Hare paints a vivid picture of 1980s Thatcherism and echoes the themes of personal integrity versus business ethics that are present in Three Birds Alighting on a Field