Theatre Review: Miss Myrtle’s Garden at Bush Theatre
A beautiful story on memories, generational traumas and being true to oneself
Miss Myrtle is a sharp-tongued woman with an unkempt garden in a rapidly changing neighbourhood. To make matters more chaotic, her grandson Rudy and his 'close friend' Jason have moved in, and the local drunk Eddie has taken to relieving himself against her garden wall.
According to writer Danny James King, Miss Myrtle’s Garden centres on a complex theatrical figure: an elderly, first-generation Jamaican woman who invites the audience into her world. However, due to her dementia, we soon realise she is not the most reliable narrator.
The moment you enter, it's hard not to gasp at the striking set design. The futuristic lighting sets the tone beautifully, and the music is another standout element. As a first-time visitor, the Bush Theatre really impresses me with its innovative 360-degree layout, it truly feels like there is no bad seat in the house.
As the play unfolds, it’s impossible not to fall for Miss Myrtle - 80 years old, razor-sharp, and full of wit. “Being difficult is better than being easy,” she declares. What stands out most in her portrayal is how she holds her own without overshadowing the younger cast. Jason perfectly captures the flair of a “superstar stylist”, while Rudy comes across as a young queer teacher caught between identities and expectations.
Despite covering a range of themes, the story never feels stretched or underdeveloped. Each character earns the audience’s empathy - from the young couple striving to be themselves, to Eddie’s inability to connect with the younger generation, to Miss Myrtle’s quiet fear of losing the memories of those she has loved.
That said, some transitions between scenes feel a little abrupt, leaving us wanting more detail. What exactly happened to Rudy’s father? How deep is the bond between Rudy and Jason? Who is Eddie beyond his presence in the garden? Then again, perhaps these questions are meant to linger - as Miss Myrtle herself says, “Sometimes the past is painful. Not everyone wants to live there.”
Rating: 4.5 stars - A powerful and beautifully staged production with standout performances and emotional depth. A few narrative gaps remain, there’s so much warmth and feeling that it hardly matters.
Venue: Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ
Dates: 31 May - 12 July 2025
Tickets: from £10, for further details visit: https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/event/miss-myrtles-garden/