Powerful One Woman Play to Be Performed at The Tabard
Emma Wilkinson Wright explores an extraordinary life in Rika's Rooms
The play was inspired by the story of Gail Louw's mother
June 3, 2026
Audiences at the Tabard Theatre this July can experience a powerful and deeply personal solo drama as Rika’s Rooms, written by internationally acclaimed playwright Gail Louw.
Performed by award-winning actress Emma Wilkinson Wright and directed by Anthony Shrubsall, this moving production explores one woman’s extraordinary life across some of the twentieth century’s most turbulent periods.
Drawing on Louw’s novel and inspired by her mother’s story, Rika’s Rooms traces a remarkable journey from Nazi Germany to Palestine and Apartheid South Africa. In later life, living with dementia in England, Rika occupies two worlds – a fragmented present and a vivid past populated by memories, trauma and ghosts.
This intimate one-woman show blends humour, resilience and emotional depth, revealing how history, identity and personal choice intertwine. As Rika navigates love, loss and survival, the play asks what it truly means to live freely in extraordinary times.
The production has been praised as “vivid, poignant and steeped in emotion” and “mesmerising to watch,” highlighting Wilkinson Wright’s compelling stage presence.
Running for four weeks this revival offers local audiences a rare chance to experience an award-winning solo performance of striking emotional power.
This was originally part of a double bill with Fiona Ramsey performing Blonde Poison but has had to withdraw. Rika’s Rooms will be performed in its full length version.
The play runs from 1 July to 25 July.
Online booking is available at the theatre’s website.
Tabard Theatre is at 2 Bath Road, W4 1LW just next to Turnham Green tube station.
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