Many great painters have a ‘muse,’ but how does it feel to have someone obsessing about you aesthetically? Artist and muse met at an art gallery on a Friday night, Lilith (Millie Small) is a photographer and interested in art, and Lucas (Xavier Atkins) is an artist desperate for his break, and they both admire a painting. They talk, and Lucas explains that he is looking for a model that he may paint. Lilith is intrigued, but will she go along…?
Of course she will! Lucas is somewhat aloof, and Lilith is intrigued by this mysterious painter. The studio is at his place, and once he begins painting, we hear that Lucas has been lined up for a prize if he creates some suitable work, hence his need for a live model, as he wanted his painting to be a masterpiece.
Lucas’ air of mystery is essential for the piece, as we build our knowledge of their characters. Lucas has low self-esteem, due to an art critic giving him a negative review for a piece of work, and he has not painted for two years. Atkins pulls this off well, and his character development with Lucas would make any woman alone in his studio a little uneasy. At the point that things are not going well for him, the wheels come off his mental health, and Lilith becomes concerned, and just a wee bit scared.
Without giving away any spoilers, this could very easily have been developed into a much darker psychological thriller, but in its current form it tackles issues of female vulnerability, Lilith takes Lucas’ offer at face value, and even though she hears her internal alarm bells ringing she still goes to his apartment. Lilith wants Lucas to paint her as she is, not how he would like her to be, her constantly being asked to look down does not really show off her personality. This fact makes the ending all the sweeter, and her teaching him a lesson works well as an ending for the play.
Overall, the writing by Millie Small is good, and the play is well directed by Martha Bone, but sometimes some of the choreographed movements seemed a little contrived, and with limited space these were hampered. Overall, it is a good play, but I think a darker twist could explore the demons lurking in the back of Lucas’ mind in more depth.
Muse was a part of Camden Fringe Festival. The show is being performed this evening at 6pm, and you can buy an online ticket, or take a chance on the door. Ticket link – https://camdenfringe.com/events/muse-by-millie-small/
Reviewer: Caroline Worswick
Reviewed: 8th August 2026
North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating:
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