Since opening on January 12, 2015, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown has won over West End audiences, recently announcing an extended booking period to August 22, 2015. Performed at the Playhouse Theatre, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown was initially scheduled a 20-week limited run until May 9, 2015.

amsin Greig makes her theatre debut as troubled Pepa Marcos. JOHAN PERSSON

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown sees acclaimed actor Tamsin Greig make her successful theatre debut and she has since, unsurprisingly, been nominated for an Olivier Award for ‘Best Actress in a Musical,’ which speaks volumes for her musical talent.

Haydn Gwynne has been nominated for ‘Best Supporting Actress in a Musical,’ celebrated for her passionate performance as Lucia.

The bohemian-style Playhouse Theatre is the ideal venue for such a retro production, with Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown set in heavily romanticised 1980s Madrid, highlighted by an exterior spectrum of colours opposing pretty panoramic views of the embankment.Playhouse Theatre has been recently refurbished, with a fresh and vibrant character omitted through black and white sheen tile flooring.

Playhouse Theatre sells the usual consumer fare including Women on the Verge branded stress balls, which provides a nice personal touch.

Derivative of the 1988 Oscar-winning film by Pedro Almodóvar, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown has been mostly penned by men, based on the book by Jeffrey Lane (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), adapted to the stage with music and lyrics by David Yazbeck and directed by Barlett Sher.

Live music is provided from the second tier, with cast member Ricardo Alfonso providing strong acoustic commentary throughout, omitting a typically Spanish vibe that nags at your need for a holiday. GTW’s favoured score was ‘model behaviour’ performed by the overbearing and needy model friend Candela, played by the endearing Anna Skellern.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown features 14 musical numbers in total.

Scene transitions are cleverly displayed via a rotational chalkboard frequently moved by Perry Lambert, who is often amusingly dressed as a bullfighting matador.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown consists of a particularly intimate ensemble with some key cast members doubling up, including the role of bolshie lawyer Paulina who was well played by Holly James. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown translates well onto the stage, with a female dominant cast that depicts three generations in crisis.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown isn’t your standard musical and admittedly, could benefit without additional tuneful elements, which are exclusive to the production and are thus used as a key way to express emotion. Tamsin Greig especially brings a unique air of seriousness with a subtle sense of comedic charm. At points, the set impressively opens out the reveal a sunset laden balcony, with most special effects credited to the intricate use of mood lighting. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown certainly wasn’t a chore to enjoy, with GTW leaving the theatre with a chirpy sense of optimism.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is scheduled to run at the Playhouse Theatre until August 2015. Discounted rates are available for parties of 6+ and 8+ valid for Monday to Thursday performances. Senior group rates are available for parties of 8+ with best available
seats priced around £30. Premium group rates are available at a cost of £52.50 per person. To book call the Group Booking Line on 0844 871 7644. For more information visit www.womenonthevergemusical.com