Paris, 1911. A worker at the Louvre walks out of the museum with its most famous paintings hidden under his coat.

The Mona Lisa has always captivated the world. But for Vincenzo Peruggia the painting holds a special power, one that compels him to steal it and return it to Italy.

Based on an incredible true story, The Woman Who Amuses Herself reveals one of the greatest heists in history. It takes us on a roller coaster ride beyond the famous smile in this funny and moving UK premiere.

The Woman Who Amuses Herself is produced by the same team behind the Offie-nominated five-star productions of Kes, Lifeboat, Kindred Spirits and The Invisible Man. Ten performances only.

Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)

NOMINATED FOR A STANDING OVATION AWARD from London Pub Theatres
NOMINATED FOR SIX OFF WEST END AWARDS: LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY Tice Oakfield, SET DESIGN Karl Swinyard, SOUND DESIGN Julian Starr, COSTUME DESIGN Martin J Robinson, LIGHTING DESIGN Douglas Baker, LIGHTING DESIGN Carey Chomsoonthorn

PRESS FOR THIS PRODUCTION

Oakfield is incredibly talented… he creates different worlds, times, characters and places. He talks to us so that by the end, we feel like we know him. He becomes our friend in an incredibly short space of time, making us think about every word he says. With the transcendental nature of his portrayal of Peruggia, Oakfield’s performance stays with us after the show, almost like a ghost not quite put to rest.

a beautifully written and performed piece, bringing voice to very complicated and specific feelings, about art, nationality and self. Who knows why the Mona Lisa is smiling the way she is, but this production gives us the space we need to ponder this question for ourselves, whilst reflecting on what has influenced and shaped our own lives. This is the gift that The Woman Who Amuses Herself and Vincenzo Perruggia have given us. This is the legacy of La Gioconda. ★★★★★ Broadway Baby

will have you smiling rather more broadly than the Mona Lisa herself ★★★★ Broadway World

What makes the show truly sparkle is the outstanding performance of Tice Oakfield… Under Bannister’s hand, Oakfield captures the ambiguity of Peruggia’s intentions and his relationship with the captivating image of the Mona Lisa. Turning on a pin, Oakfield transforms from Italian artisan to grandiose art critic, a schoolchild and Dadaist artist Marcel Duchamp… On top of that, Oakfield can sing and does a turn dancing… whilst the backdrop remains Karl Swinyard’s evocative attic set, so bohémienne in feel… It is a cleverly well-executed, shabby frame to a highly polished performance. With temperatures expected to top 40^o, it is tempting to stay indoors and hide but a much better option would be to grab a cold beer at the bar and watch this cool production at The Jack. British Theatre Guide

it’s a great story…Over the years we’ve come to expect good things from the in-house creative team at the Jack, and this latest offering is no exception. Peruggia’s humble origins are reflected in Karl Swinyard’s intimate attic apartment set, while video projections from Douglas Baker and sound design from Julian Starr enhance the narrative without distracting from Oakfield’s enthralling central performance Theatre Things

A fascinating and engaging performance by Oakfield…Karl Swinyard’s set design emphasises the mystery… A perfect setting ★★★★ Outthere1971

This is undoubtedly an amazing story and one that Victor Lodato sensitively and delightfully brought to life… With clever direction from Kate Bannister, Oakfield morphs into a myriad of characters… This is a fine piece of writing with a magnetic central performance from Tice Oakfield… at its heart, a story to inspire us all to enjoy and connect with art and artists. London Pub Theatres