Larkin With Women explores poet and novelist Philip Larkin’s relationship with three very different women between 1956 and 1985.

The play, by Ben Brown, comes 100 years after the birth of Larkin, often called “England’s other Poet Laureate”. Brought to London by the Strut & Fret Theatre Company and showing at The Old Red Lion Theatre from August 31st – September 17th.

For the uncultured swine who may not know a thing about Larkin, he published two novels, collections of poetry and was known to have a thing or two to say about jazz. He spent his entire life working in libraries, avoided the limelight and apparently, held views that in modern times would be considered quite problematic. 

Larkin With Women follows the last 30 years of the poet’s life and jumps through the decades as Larkin’s relationship with the women in his life goes from cringey to down right dastardly.

The three women each represent a different aspect of Larkin’s life. First we meet Betty (played by Annabel Miller), Larkin’s office secretary. Their relationship starts as one of dependency as it becomes quite clear that Larkin can’t function without Betty, who sees Larkin’s antics, like finding his nuddy mags squirrelled away in the office, as “boys will be boys” behaviour. 

Next we have Maeve (played by Lynne Harrison), Maeve is enamoured by Larkin and his works. She swoons like a fangirl in his presence as she takes a stenographer position in the library. Her adoration of his poems and literature arouses a yearning for the success that Larkin believes he never had. 

And finally, Monica (Mia Skytte). Monica is Larkin’s childhood sweetheart, the two grew up together and often take a moment to hark back to yonder years and misspent youth. Whilst not married (Philip doesn’t believe in such nonsense), Monica knows Larkin better than anyone and as the years pass by becomes less and less inclined to put up with Larkin’s shit. 

At a glance some might feel that the subject matter of Larkin’s simultaneous affairs may be a little outdated. Once upon a time anyone looking into “The Bard of Humberside’s” private life may have considered him something of a womaniser, a player if you will. More recently though attitudes might look on Larkin’s sexual antics with an air of distain. One thing the play makes clear is that Larkin was a complex man. Also, a bit of a dirty dog. 

This is shown throughout the play as the women move the set around between scenes whilst Larkin (played by Daniel Wain) contemplates life and sips his whisky. As the years go by and the hearing aids come out and the innuendos come and go, Larkin’s relationships break down as his guilt-free attitude to the three ladies breaks their hearts and their principles. 

The Red Lion Theatre allows for a small set that overlaps itself as a library office, a bedroom and a living room. The intimacy this creates sucks you into Larkin’s world as the smell of Larkin’s cigarette smoke (yes, REAL cigarettes) drifts over 37 audience members. Such a quaint theatre means that to step outside during the interval, you may very well have to step into Larkin’s life and hop through his study.

Larkin With Women is an eye opening exploration of one of Britain’s most famous post-war poets. As funny as it is tragic and unafraid to paint an honest picture behind the words of “Britain’s other Poet Laureate”. 

If you’d like to visit the Old Red Lion Theatre and dive into Larkin’s world yourself, then you can get your tickets here before they are gone!