What the critics say:
"Alison Skilbeck's Uncommon Ground" directed by Gareth Armstrong
With astonishing vocal and physical virtuosity, Alison Skilbeck’s Uncommon Ground (Assembly Rooms) – her soliloquies Are There More of You? and Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London were previous Edinburgh hits – sees her play multiple characters spanning many decades in age and representing two genders and species, all linked by a common in London on which all walk or stand during the pandemic lockdown. Tremendous writing, including the collapse of language in someone with dementia, and clever structure – glimpses of other speakers in the testimony of the character holding the narrative – are allied to impeccably detailed acting in a 70-minute monologue that has the whack of a three-act play. This superb work must go further. ***** Mark Lawson
Alison Skilbeck’s new one-woman show can’t have been made without effort, but as she flits between characters with poise and precision, she sure makes it look that way. **** The Scotsman
It’s a lovely piece of writing, gentle and lyrical, which captures the nuances of everyday speech with considerable skill.. **** Bouquets & Brickbats
"Alison Skilbeck is very convincing, using humour and great characterisation to captivate the audience" **** One4Review
Are There More of You? written & performed by Alison Skilbeck dir. Jeremy Stockwell touring
"a masterclass in character acting" ***** Bouquets & Brickbats
"leaving you spellbound by the power of her characterisations" ***** Three Weeks
"laugh out loud funny" ***** broadwaybaby.com
Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London written & performed by Alison Skilbeck dir. Lucy Skilbeck, touring
"a captivating performance by Alison Skilbeck" ***** The Irish Mail on Sunday
"a bravura performance" ***** Sunday Independent (Ireland)
"always a moving and bravura performance" The Guardian
The Power Behind The Crone written & performed by Alison Skilbeck dir. Tim Hardy, touring
"Skilbeck's delivery is flawless" ***** Bouquets & Brickbats
"in awe of a performer who can so successfully move through so many parts with such apparent ease..." buxtonfringe.com
Mother Country by Stephen Mallatratt dir. Alan Ayckbourn, Stephen Joseph Theatre
"In the matron, Stephen Mallatratt has created a great British character and he must be well pleased with Alison Skilbeck’s taut performance. She is arch, withering, single-minded and utterly ruthless. Her look, smile, walk, and tone are consistently illuminating." The Guardian
Joking Apart by Alan Ayckbourn dir. Alan Ayckbourn, Stephen Joseph Theatre
"Performed under the author’s direction by a crack cast among whom I must acknowledge Alison Skilbeck’s believably generous Anthea."
The Times
Rookery Nook by Ben Travers
"..there are moments of blissfully larger than life characterisation from Alison Skilbeck, who seems to have a special talent for formidable matrons, all talons and glare.." The Guardian
Time and the Conways by JB Priestley, dir. Matthew Francis, Derby Playhouse
"Alison Skilbeck’s proud and uncontrollably cruel Mrs Conway is a wicked delight to watch." Derby Express
Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh dir. Caroline Eves, Theatr Clwyd
"Abigail’s mother, Susan, the middle-class divorced neighbour, is beautifully done by Alison Skilbeck" Observer
A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen, dir. Helena Kaut-Hausen, Theatr Clywd
"Alison Skilbeck gives and impeccable controlled and modulated performance as Mrs Linde." The Stage
Arms and The Man dir. Sam Walters, Orange Tree Theatre
"Alison Skilbeck is deliciously funny" The Independent
Just Between Ourselves by Alan Ayckbourn dir Jonathan Church, Salisbury Playhouse
"This actress has the ability to arouse in the audience the simultaneous feeling of despising and adoring the character" Plays & Players
Relatively Speaking by Alan Ayckbourn dir. Simon Godwin, Northampton Theatre Royal
"Alison Skilbeck’s portrait of well-brought –up English gentility of the period, politeness eternally to the fore, is magnificently judged."reviewsgate.com