Coronation Street’s Maureen Lipman showcases her acting talent with digital revival of historical play Rose

FOR a return to theatre, all be it digitally, Maureen Lipman as Rose is a tear-jerker. 

The play by Martin Sherman brings home just what it means to survive against all odds - a perfect message in the middle of a pandemic. 

Rose talks for two hours about her life, from age nine in Lithuania, to the Warsaw Ghetto and to her final days in Miami running a hotel. 

The Coronation Street actress shows off her incredible acting skills as she moves from laughter to unbound sadness as she becomes her character. 

The enclosed atmosphere I am used to in the theatre is wonderfully recreated with the clever camera angles and Maureen’s irresistible pull. 

She is simply impossible to tear yourself away from, all attention is on her as there are minimal props used. 

The digital revival of the 1999 play covers difficult periods in history but still weaves in hilarity, especially with remarks about a man in Warsaw not having 'chest hair', vivid descriptions of being a middle-child and her suppressed anger. 

Her beautiful acting makes you feel like you could be hearing her life story - not one she's learnt to perform.

Maureen brings to life events from decades gone by and makes them feel as if you were there and saw each moment. 

Through the screen, you can feel the hope, loss and love that Rose felt as she went through life. 

Careful breaks to take a drink of water, to dab her nose, or restarting sentences several times make the monologue even more poignant. 

Overall it’s an emotional journey peppered with laughter that brings some of Europe's darkest parts of history painfully to life. 

Rose

Online Stream

★★★★☆