In our Some Woman review, Anne-Marie Duff delivers a wholly believable performance as Julie, a mother and ex-wife whose life is upended by a random insult from an 11-year-old boy at a tube station. But while Duff is magnificent, Helen Edmundson's plotting strains credulity, resulting in a failed suspension of disbelief.
Some Woman Review: A Convincing Central Performance
Anne-Marie Duff is the anchor of this production, bringing depth and nuance to a woman navigating a legal battle that threatens to destroy her life. Her portrayal of Julie is raw and authentic, capturing the exhaustion of a working mother and the frustration of being trapped in a system rigged against women. Duff's performance is the highlight of the show, even as the story around her falters. The background to this story is set out in Prima Facie Review: Cynthia Erivo Shines in Flawed Film Adaptation. A related thread runs through Coworker Makes Insensitive Remarks About Woman Whose Son Has Just Died, Gets Fired. Earlier coverage in Woman Started Getting Death Threats For Rehoming A Cat Whose Owner Refused To Collect It shows how the argument developed.
Plot Twists That Stretch Belief
The drama hinges on a series of unconvincing plot turns. After the boy aggressively insults her, Julie challenges him reasonably, but the situation escalates into a legal nightmare. The lack of incontrovertible evidence against her makes the stakes feel artificially inflated, and the narrative relies on coincidences that undermine its credibility. While the play aims to highlight everyday misogyny and the legal system's bias, the execution often feels heavy-handed. A closer look at the same subject appears in 20 Cats And Dogs Whose Middle Name Is “Drama”. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Celebrity: latest articles. The same theme surfaces in Franz & Marie Review: Woyzeck Folk Musical Finds Heart Amid Horror, which takes a different angle.
Themes of Misogyny and Justice
Edmundson's script is stuffed with important issues, from casual sexual abuse to the distrust of women in the legal system. The points come through loud and clear, echoing the themes of West End drama Prima Facie. However, the play's didacticism sometimes overshadows its emotional impact, leaving the audience more aware than moved. Context on how this played out before sits in Ramy Youssef Comedy Drama Returns: Flawed Muslim American Hero. A companion piece, Ramy Youssef's Comedy Drama: A Flawed Muslim American Hero, approaches the same subject from another angle.
| Aspect | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ★★★★★ | Anne-Marie Duff is outstanding |
| Plot | ★★☆☆☆ | Implausible twists |
| Themes | ★★★★☆ | Relevant but heavy-handed |
- Anne-Marie Duff delivers a powerful performance
- The plot relies on unconvincing twists
- Themes of misogyny are timely but didactic
- The legal system's bias is a central focus
FAQ
What is Some Woman about?
Some Woman follows Julie, a middle-aged woman whose life is turned upside down after an 11-year-old boy insults her at a tube station. The incident escalates into a legal battle that threatens her freedom.

Who stars in Some Woman?
Anne-Marie Duff stars as Julie, delivering a critically acclaimed performance.
Is Some Woman worth watching?
While Anne-Marie Duff's performance is outstanding, the implausible plot may frustrate some viewers. It's worth watching for Duff's performance and the important themes it raises.