Up in Town

I caught this the other night - and sat spell-bound by the compelling performance given by Ms Lumley. Taken from the (one presumes) never-moving perspective of her dresser mirror - this one shot monologue (I've only seen one of the six - 'the funeral') runs the gamut of pride, snobbery, realisation, self-doubt, self loathing and remorse. Joanna is utterly convincing as Madison, a faded society beauty whose friends, fortune and family seem to be leaving her behind. I look forward to seeing the other five installments. It goes to prove that big budget, clever camera work and a multitude of locations are for nothing - all you need is a great concept, a good script and an A1 performance from a truly professional artiste. Miss this gem at your peril. You have been warned.