TOO MANY BOOKS
Upstairs at the Gatehouse
26th Feb – 16th March 2025
“Set in the 1990s, Too Many Books tells the story of Julia and Daniel as they face stringent legislation whilst adopting a child from China. Inspired by real events, the audience follow the couple’s journey from the initial assessment, right through to the local council tribunal and ending with their trip to China to take home their adoptive child.”
Review by Richard Lambert, 4 Stars
This is truly a remarkable play. Not surprisingly, when you know it’s based on true events, the play comes across as very real and truthful.
The characters are fabulously portrayed by the cast. An under-staffed adoption agency, led by a woman who does her best but ultimately, against guidelines, sends an inexperienced social worker to assess a white middle-class couple who want to adopt. A lot of prejudice comes into the resultant assessment.
It’s a roller-coaster story that excels in not making anyone look like a saint adding to the investment in their lives. With some historical facts thrown in and questionable government guidance of the 1990s all of which have led to our current preference for fostering over adoption. What is best for the children? Are the correct people making these life-changing decisions?
The Set Design works well for the various spaces required and the lighting assists in the location description.
Where the production needs help is the direction. Clunky over-long scene changes and furniture movements by cast members dis-joints the pace and flow. The sound is very problematic with sound effects, such as the phone ringing, so loud that they make you jump. And occasionally, a little more shouting than ideal has been allowed.
This show is definitely an eye-opener raising questions on many social decisions and prejudices surrounding adoption services.
Photo credit: Alex Brenner
Lucy Pickles – Julia
John Sackville – Daniel
Sue Kelvin – Cynthia
Alexandra O’Neill – Zaydee
Carol Walton – Chloe
Writer Judi Bevan
Director Christopher Hunter
Producer John Jay
Associate Producers Stephen Graham and Hilary Townley
Designer (set and costumes) Hannah Danson
Lighting Designer Jonathan Chan
Stage Manager Molly Tackaberry
Age Guidance 12+
Social media
Instagram @toomanybooksplay
X @toomanybooks__
Facebook Too Many Books Play
Performance Dates Wednesday 26th February – 16th March 2025 at 7:30pm
4pm on Sunday 2nd, 9th and 16th March
Running Time 2 hours, including interval
Upstairs at the Gatehouse, 1 North Road, Highgate Village, London N6 4BD
How to get there
There are many ways to get to Upstairs at The Gatehouse.
Highgate Station, on the High Barnet branch of the Northern Line,
is a 14-minute walk from the theatre. Archway Station, also on
the High Barnet branch of the Northern Line, is a 19-minute walk
from the theatre up a steep hill, but there is also a bus available
which takes just 5 minutes.
Website https://www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com/
Prices £24/£22
£15 Preview (Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th February)