Laura Horton’s Lynn Faces opens at New Diorama Theatre after Edinburgh success

Laura Horton’s new play Lynn Faces will open at London’s New Diorama Theatre on 18 February 2025, following a successful debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe where it received the Birds of Paradise Exceptional Theatre Award. The production, co-commissioned with Norwich Theatre and Theatre Royal Plymouth, features a press night performance on 19 February at 7.30pm.

The play, which runs until 1 March 2025, is directed by Jess Daniels and features a cast including Madeleine MacMahon, Peyvand Sadeghian, Millie Faraway, and Laura Horton herself. Described as a farcical exploration of personal adversity and the healing power of silliness, Lynn Faces centres on the character Leah. Nearing 40 and struggling with a past marked by a toxic break-up and shyness, Leah forms a punk band inspired by the Alan Partridge character Lynn Benfield despite her lack of musical ability. The narrative raises the question of whether this unconventional step will push her further toward despair or help her regain the confidence needed to move forward.

The production reflects on contemporary issues of abusive behaviour and coercive control, with the play balancing humour and poignancy. Horton’s script explores the complexities of recovering from personal setbacks, utilising the energy of a chaotic punk band as a metaphor for confronting inner turmoil. The play’s title, Lynn Faces, is a nod both to its subject matter and its unconventional inspiration. Although the production has been described in promotional materials as “funny” and “farcical”, observers will note that it also highlights broader themes of friendship and resilience in the face of adversity.

Speaking about the production, Laura Horton stated: “I’m delighted to be returning to New Diorama Theatre with Lynn Faces. I’ve put so much of myself into this production, from the seed of a small, weird idea to this production, with the most wonderful creative team. Finding hope in the face of adversity, feels like a prescient theme.”

Set against the backdrop of London’s vibrant theatre scene, Lynn Faces is part of a broader national tour that follows its critical acclaim at Edinburgh. The venue, located at 15–16 Triton Street in Regent’s Place, NW1 3BF, will be hosting performances from Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with some additional matinee and relaxed performances scheduled. Tickets are available for full-price purchase, with reduced rates offered for previews and special concessions.

Additional productions on the theatre’s schedule include The Mosinee Project from 11 to 22 March and Container from 2 to 12 April, indicating a busy season that showcases a range of original works addressing diverse themes. With its blend of personal narrative and cultural critique, Lynn Faces is poised to contribute to ongoing conversations about personal recovery and the transformative potential of art.

The editorial unit