Review: BRITT-MARIE WAS HERE at Scala Teatern

*Britt-Marie Was Here* is one of Fredrik Backman’s hit novels; a few years ago, Riksteatern adapted it into a one-woman show starring Marianne Mörck. Marianne has now returned as Britt-Marie, Vega, Omar, and the rest of the cast, with performances running this autumn at Scalateatern.

Britt-Marie is a 63-year-old woman who leaves her husband after discovering his infidelity. She has spent years as a homemaker, performing her duties impeccably. When she looks for work, she finds few opportunities; the only opening the young woman at the employment office can find for her is a three-week job as a youth activities leader in Borg—a small community where virtually everything has shut down, except for a pizzeria that doubles as a shop. There isn't even a proper football pitch; instead, the local children who love the sport play on a gravel parking lot. It is far from what Britt-Marie had envisioned, yet she is reluctantly drawn into coaching the team so they can participate in a local football tournament.

Marianne Mörck is absolutely brilliant as she portrays Britt-Marie and the other characters using subtle gestures and varied vocal inflections. It is amazing how one person can hold the audience captive throughout the entire performance. It is a warm, heartfelt, and funny story, yet towards the end, it becomes moving—almost bringing a tear to one’s eye—in those truly beautiful moments. Thanks to the children, Britt-Marie finds herself and is finally truly seen.

It is a monologue filled with witty lines, delivered with perfect nuance and eliciting plenty of laughter. Even if—like me—you aren't particularly interested in football, the combination of Backman’s storytelling and Mörck’s ability to bring the characters to life draws you right in; just like Britt-Marie, you cheer of joy when the team scores its first goal.

Marianne is perfectly suited for this show—a performance that entertains and warms the heart as autumn begins to set in.

The play runs till the 27th of September and tickets are on sale here:

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