I’m Sorry You Felt That Way – The Hope Theatre, London

Writer: Harry Butler

Director: Anthony Biggs

Emma and Adam have only known each other for six months, but their whirlwind romance has already led to them moving in together, much to the concern of Adam’s ex-girlfriend, Eloise.

Despite her recent grief from losing her father, Emma (Hannah Brady) is happy, excited to embark on this new chapter with Adam (Harry Butler), his older, more settled lifestyle a calming and welcome presence at this time in her life. She expected her first night alone in the flat to be relaxing – bubble bath filled, glass of wine poured, and impending college essay firmly pushed to the back of her mind. What she didn’t expect was Eloise (Chloe O’Reilly) to turn up out of the blue and be standing in her living room with revelations about Adam being abusive when he was with her. A bitter, jealous ex spinning a tale, or a well-needed warning before she gets in too deep?

Butler’s well-written characters and intriguing narrative are packed with simmering tension and uncomfortable conversations between the three talented actors. The initial scenes between O’Reilly and Brady are surprisingly very humorous, the palpable awkwardness between the pair as they engage in small talk and politely skirt around subjects brilliantly done. But when Eloise finally discloses the reason why she’s really there, it shines a deeper, more revealing light onto the pair’s personalities. Brady showcases Emma’s vulnerability fantastically; her youth and inexperience make her visibly unsure and uncertain about O’Reilly’s shocking claims, allowing just a glimmer of recognition into some of Adam’s behaviour with her. O’Reilly plays Eloise with confidence, constantly asserting her knowledge of both the flat and her ex-partner in a way of establishing her dominance, yet balanced well with a sensitive, urging desperation to alert Emma to Adam’s flaws.

Once Eloise leaves, and Adam is then introduced, it takes on an intriguing new dynamic, whereby dots are connected and missing puzzle pieces slot into place. Butler’s Adam is never overtly awful. On the surface, with no prior context, he appears harmless – caring, attentive and eager to spend a romantic evening with his new girlfriend. Though with the prior flags outlined by Eloise, his actions take a much darker turn, wonderfully enacted by Butler. Small comments have an alternative undertone, his gestures and facial expressions taking on a whole other meaning, with his past behaviour having been highlighted. What commences is an enjoyable back and forth between the couple as Emma tries to weigh up Eloise’s claims against the man she thought she knew.

A well-crafted storyline, executed strongly by the three leads, with a thought-provoking insight into power dynamics, abuse and relationships.

Runs until 30th May 2026