Anna Friel As Lulu: Theatrical Portrait Revisited

In 2001, a singular artistic moment unfolded on the stages of London’s Almeida Theatre when a live oil painting was created to capture the enigmatic presence of British actress Anna Friel. The painting, rendered on linen, was not only a tribute to the celebrated actor’s onstage persona but also a confluence of art and theatre that continues to resonate with aficionados of both mediums.

Inception Of The Masterpiece

The conception of this theatrical portrait began when Director Jonathan Kent approached the painter with an enticing opportunity: to create a live painting of Anna Friel for the Almeida theatre production of Frank Wedekind’s Lulu. The play—a provocative narrative exploring the complexities of female sexuality and the femme fatale archetype—provided the perfect canvas for an artwork that was as dynamic as the performance itself. The artist, who confesses to being a ‘frustrated actor,’ found in the project an immersive theatrical experience, one that allowed him to straddle the worlds of performance and visual art.

The painting was executed in a vibrant and unusual setting: an enormous ballroom in Clerkenwell, London. At the time, the artist was residing there temporarily in a friend’s home. As fate would have it, an unexpected incident added an extra dash of theatricality to the creative process. In the midst of capturing Friel’s portrait from life, a burglary in progress unfolded—a pair of clowns attempted a break-in. With a lionesque roar summoned from deep within his diaphragm, the painter sent the intruders scrambling, an episode that could have been lifted straight from a stage farce. The police were called, and the spectacle ended with the miscreants taken away and locked up. This dramatic interruption not only underscores the unpredictable nature of live art but also adds a humorous footnote to the story of the painting.

Anna Friel’s Stage Performance

Anna Friel’s portrayal in Lulu was marked by a unique blend of restraint, guile, and childlike mischief. As noted in contemporary reviews by the Evening Standard, her performance was described as cool and measured, yet laced with an unmistakable naughtiness that brought the character of Lulu to life. Friel, whose career has spanned television, film, and theatre, embodies a rare duality—her onstage presence is both ethereal and grounded, a quality that clearly inspired the artist. According to those who witnessed the production, her ability to convey complex layers of emotion with subtle gestures and a playful glimmer in her eyes made the painting’s subject all the more compelling.

The painting not only documents a specific moment in theatrical history but also reflects the tradition of stage portraiture, whereby artists seek to encapsulate the ephemeral magic of live performance on a static medium. In an era when technology often dominates artistic expression, this oil on linen serves as a reminder of the visceral intimacy between actor and canvas. The work stands as an enduring record of a production that both challenged and delighted its audience by delving into themes of sexual emancipation and the darker aspects of desire.

The Intersection Of Art And Theatre

In recounting his experience, the artist offers personal reflections that bridge the gap between his dual passions. He humorously muses about his life as an actor and his recurring temptation to ‘hit the boards’ rather than remain behind the easel. His confession—“I am really a frustrated actor and should give up this painting lark and hit the boards”—resonates with anyone who has ever wrestled with the pull of multiple creative pursuits. The painting, therefore, becomes more than just a visual record; it transforms into a narrative about chasing one’s artistic calling, even when life throws a curveball that is literally clown-sized.

In a broader context, the portrait is a testament to the enduring legacy of Anna Friel. Beyond her celebrated film and television roles, her work on stage has repeatedly captured the public’s imagination. This particular production of Lulu, with its provocative exploration of female sexuality—an idea as controversial in the nineteenth century as it remains compelling today—provided a perfect stage for Friel’s restrained but mischievous performance. The artwork immortalizes not only a historic performance but also a moment when art and life collided in an explosion of color, drama, and unexpected hilarity.

The narrative behind the painting is further enriched by its setting and the artist’s unfiltered recollections of that eventful evening. In a space as grand as the Clerkenwell ballroom, the interplay of light, movement, and emotion was captured in broad, confident strokes of oil on linen. It is this synthesis of chaos and order—the intrusion of clowns amidst the calm, the raw spontaneity of live action juxtaposed with meticulously applied pigment—that makes the portrait a standout example of stage art.

While the sculpture of time in the theatre is often fleeting, works such as this painting allow moments of brilliance to be revisited and appreciated by new generations. Anna Friel’s unmistakable charm is forever etched not only in the memories of those who witnessed the play but also in the brushstrokes of an artist who experienced a night of both beauty and absurdity.

The story behind this portrait is emblematic of the creative spirit: one that embraces the unpredictable and transforms chaos into art. It serves as a reminder that every theatrical performance, every live moment, can spark an artistic reaction that transcends its immediate temporal bounds, preserving the magic for posterity.

Reporter

Pratibha

 

Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

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