Tamsin Greig & Celia Imrie Lead Donmar’s Backstroke – Opens Feb 20

HomeTamsin Greig & Celia Imrie Lead Donmar’s Backstroke – Opens Feb 20

Tamsin Greig & Celia Imrie Lead Donmar’s Backstroke – Opens Feb 20

Tamsin Greig & Celia Imrie Lead Donmar’s Backstroke – Opens Feb 20

  • Kieran Lockhart
  • 9 October 2025
  • 0

When Anna Mackmin, writer‑director, unveiled her new play Backstroke at Donmar Warehouse, audiences got a first glimpse of a mother‑daughter drama that’s already stirring buzz. The world premiere kicked off with previews on Saturday, February 15, 2025, and an official opening night is set for Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 19:00 GMT.

Tamsin Greig stars as Bo, a mid‑life professional juggling a demanding job and a teenage daughter while trying to care for her mother. Opposite her, Celia Imrie embodies Beth, a once‑independent woman whose recent stroke lands her in hospital, forcing Bo to confront old resentments and new responsibilities.

Why this play matters

Backstroke isn’t just another family drama; it’s a timely exploration of how unpaid caregiving work—still largely invisible in the public sphere—collides with personal ambition. In a post‑pandemic world where many families are re‑negotiating care responsibilities, the play hits close to home for anyone who’s ever had to put a career on hold for a loved one.

Historical context and Mackmin’s trajectory

Anna Mackmin has built a reputation as a director who leans into the emotional core of a script. Previously, she earned acclaim for reviving classics at the Donmar, most notably a 2018 reinterpretation of Hamlet. Backstroke marks her first foray into writing as well as directing, a dual role she says gives her “a tighter grip on the story’s heartbeat.”

The Donmar Warehouse, a nonprofit theatre nestled in Covent Garden, has been a launchpad for daring new works since its founding in 1977. Its 251‑seat auditorium encourages intimacy, meaning every whispered confession onstage lands straight into the audience’s ear.

Cast and creative team

Beyond Greig and Imrie, the production boasts a robust ensemble: Lucy Briers as Carol, a longtime friend of Bo; Anita Reynolds as Jill, Bo’s outspoken sister; and Georgina Rich as Paulina, a neighbour who provides comic relief. Filmed inserts feature Chloe Hart and Rhashan Stone, blurring the line between stage and screen.

The visual world is crafted by designer Lez Brotherston, whose set swaps between a sleek hospital ward and Bo’s cramped kitchen in swift, almost choreographed transitions. Lighting by Paule Constable paints the mood with warm amber during flashbacks and stark white for the present‑day hospital scenes. Video designer Gino Ricardo Green stitches together recorded footage of Bo’s memories, while Scarlett Mackmin, Anna’s sister, provides movement that feels both therapeutic and unsettling.

Performance schedule and ticketing

Donmar has packed the run with almost daily performances. Saturdays feature both evening (19:30 GMT) and matinee (14:30 GMT) shows, while Monday‑Friday evenings run at 19:30 GMT. The official opening night on February 20 will be a single 19:00 GMT slot, giving early‑birds a chance to be among the first to witness the full production.

Tickets have sold out for many dates within minutes of release, prompting the box office to add extra Saturday matinees in March. Prices start at £28 for the matinees and £45 for evenings, with a modest concession rate for students and seniors.

Critical reception so far

Paul Seven, writing for theatre.reviews after attending a preview on February 16, praised the “sharp writing and earnest performances,” noting that Greig’s ability to slip between sarcasm and vulnerability feels “rare in contemporary British theatre.” Meanwhile, Broadway World’s Stephi Wild reported on January 6 that the full cast announcement sparked a surge of social‑media chatter, especially after fans recognized the chemistry between Greig and Imrie from past TV collaborations.

Audience members have echoed similar sentiments on forums, saying the play’s blend of humor and heartache made them “laugh, then cry in the same breath.” One viewer described the video interludes as “a clever way to externalise Bo’s inner monologue without breaking the stage’s flow.”

Impact and broader implications

Beyond the theatre walls, Backstroke is prompting discussions in caregiving advocacy circles. After the opening night, the UK Caregivers Alliance posted a statement highlighting how the play “humanises the invisible labour that countless families shoulder.” The Donmar has already scheduled a post‑run talk‑back with Mackint, Greig, and a representative from the alliance.

For the industry, the production illustrates a growing trend: integrating multimedia elements into live theatre to deepen narrative layers. If successful, it could pave the way for more hybrid shows, especially as younger audiences show appetite for tech‑savvy storytelling.

What’s next for the production?

The run concludes on Saturday, April 12, 2025, after which Mackint plans to tour the play to regional theatres across the UK. Early talks suggest a possible West End transfer if the critical and commercial response remains strong. Greig and Imrie have hinted they might reprise their roles, but no firm dates have been set.

Meanwhile, the Donmar will make room for its spring lineup, which includes a revival of The Seagull and a new playwright showcase slated for summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Backstroke close at the Donmar Warehouse?

The final performance is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2025, with a handful of evening shows in the week leading up to that date.

How can I buy tickets for the March matinee shows?

Tickets for March matinees are available through the Donmar Warehouse’s official website and at the box office. They typically go on sale two weeks before each Saturday, so it’s wise to book early.

What themes does Backstroke explore?

The play delves into caregiving, intergenerational conflict, and the way past trauma resurfaces when families are forced to confront mortality. It also examines how modern women balance professional ambition with personal obligations.

Will the production tour after its London run?

Anna Mackint has confirmed plans for a UK tour later in 2025, targeting major regional venues. Exact dates and cities are still being finalised.

Who designed the video elements used in the show?

The video design was created by Gino Ricardo Green, who worked alongside director Anna Mackint to weave recorded memories into the live performance.

About Author
Kieran Lockhart

Kieran Lockhart

Author

Hello, my name is Kieran Lockhart and I am a sports expert specializing in rugby. With years of experience as a player and coach, I've developed a deep understanding of the game and its intricacies. My passion for rugby has led me to pursue a career in sports journalism, where I get to share my insights and opinions with fellow enthusiasts. My articles are not only informative, but also aim to ignite debates and discussions within the rugby community. As a dedicated follower of the sport, I strive to bring the latest news, analysis, and features to my audience.