Some Woman: Anne-Marie Duff returns in misogyny drama

Hannah Onslow (Kate), Tobi King-Bakare (Nathan) and Anne-Marie Duff (Julie) in Some Woman at the National Theatre. - (Ellie Kurttz)

Anne-Marie Duff gives a fine performance of harried, slowly ramping desperation in this bleak drama about the hostility and unfairness women face in society. It’s good to have this subtle, heartfelt actress back, after two years away from the limelight, in a story that feels both horribly timely and horribly timeless.

The title of Helen Edmunson’s play is apt, suggesting the casual dismissal of half the population (but also the opposite). Her script is punchy but schematic, though, with situations and characters arranged to push Duff’s Julie Robson toward a series of brinks. Blanche McIntyre’s brisk production descends quite often into a shouting match.