The Snail House

Sir Neil Marriot, a government medical advisor who saved lives during the pandemic, is throwing himself a lavish birthday party. However, his family is at odds, and he feels something familiar and unsettling about one of the catering staff. The Snail House is a play that explores how the past impacts the present and how overconfidence can lead to disaster.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Sir Neil Marriot, a well-known government medical advisor, became a household name during the pandemic. His service even earned him a knighthood, and he is now celebrating his birthday with a lavish party. However, amidst the opulent decor, champagne, and silver service, his family is once again at each other's throats, and he can't shake the feeling that something is familiar and unsettling about one of the catering staff.

The play explores the theme of how the past impacts the present and how overconfidence can lead to disastrous consequences. It is written and directed by Richard Eyre, who is known for his work on plays such as "Hamlet" and "Richard III." The production premiered at Hampstead Theatre, London, in September 2022 and has received critical acclaim for its powerful performances and thought-provoking storyline.

One of the standout characters in the play is Sir Neil Marriot himself, played by Richard McCabe. McCabe brings a depth of complexity to the role, portraying a man who is both proud of his achievements and haunted by his past mistakes. He is a man who has been driven by his desire to save lives, but who has also been willing to sacrifice his own principles to achieve his goals.

Another key character is Sir Neil's wife, Lady Marriot, played by Eileen Atkins. Atkins brings a sense of elegance and grace to the role, but also a sense of vulnerability and insecurity. She is a woman who has been married to Sir Neil for many years, but who is beginning to question her own choices and decisions.

The play also features a cast of supporting characters, including Sir Neil's son, James, played by Tom Hiddleston, and his daughter, Emily, played by Imogen Poots. James is a man who is torn between his loyalty to his father and his desire to pursue his own dreams. Emily is a woman who is caught in the middle of her parents' conflicts and struggles to find her own identity.

The Snail House is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores the themes of family, loyalty, and the consequences of overconfidence. It is a play that will leave audiences thinking long after the curtain has fallen. Whether you are a fan of theatre or just looking for a thought-provoking piece of entertainment, The Snail House is a must-see.

Dimension: 198 x 129 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839041099