Pauliina Ståhlberg has led the Finnish Institute in London for four years. During the years she has visited as many London theatre shows as possible. These are her favourite plays at the moment.

The Jungle: National Theatre and Young Vic co-production with Good Chance Theatre

This is theatre that changes the world. Powerful, important and moving, The Jungle is this autumn’s must see production. Based on true stories of refugees in Calais, the Jungle tells stories of community, fear, anger, loss and hope. Incredible acting by the cast who hail from all over the world.

The Jungle, Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5DE.
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/jungle-playhouse-theatre. 16.6.–3.11.2018. Admission: See the link above.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore: Michael Grandage

This play is ultra violent, yet it’s a comedy. And it works, strangely enough, in a Tarantinoesque way. I laughed out loud a few times, even though it was pretty bloody! Hunk of an actor Aidan Turner from the TV-series Poldark plays the main role, which means that it’s almost sold out.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AU. https://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/tickets/the-lieutenant-of-inishmore/ Only until 8.9.2018! Admission: £10–£99. Age recommendation 16+.

The Humans: Joe Mantello 

Three generations of an American family gather for Thanksgiving. Quite soon it becomes evident that everything isn’t as rosy as it seems, and the dysfunctionality of the family begins to unravel. The Tony Award winning play with its superb cast from the Broadway production left me feeling a bit anguished by the human condition and yet hopeful that love and family can conquer all.

The Humans, Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London NW3 3EU.  https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2018/the-humans/. 30.8.–13.10.2018. Admission: £10 – £40.