[Geoffrey L]

I have seen this play three times now. In the same way as ' Look back in anger ' it seems an historic monument from a world which has now disappeared entirely. In the great plays of Shakespeare, Chekhov, Ayckbourn et al there are universal human characteristics. Such plays were ' not for an age but for all time '. John Osborne was a product of his time. Suez might have some connection with Iraq or Afghanistan but war always has some resonance however tenuous.

I found the evening tedious. The second half went on forever. The acting was good but with this material little could help. On second and third readings the only Osborne plays which seem slightly relevant are ' A Patriot for me ' and ' Luther ' . Not a great evening at the theatre and little to enhance reputation.

[Laughingmonsta]

Disagree completely - In fact The Entertainer has so many relevant areas that actually connect with the disenfranchised voices of today's society, especially when it comes to immigration, the power of war and its effect on the family just as strong as ever, The loss of real entertainers due to the rise of a new breed of celebrity...hmmm very topical. In fact I feel that The Entertainer is in this production one of the most timely revivals I have seen in recent years.

Ok the second half does drag a little but show me a RE production that doesn't! The cast all give fantastic performances, Especially David Ryall and Laura Rees - this is an engrossing and dark, two and half hours of British Theatre, which ultimately thanks to the performances of the cast leaves you with a bitter and sad feeling at the end of the play!

[Musicality]

Disagree completely - In fact The Entertainer has so many relevant areas that actually connect with the disenfranchised voices of today's society, especially when it comes to immigration, the power of war and its effect on the family just as strong as ever, The loss of real entertainers due to the rise of a new breed of celebrity...hmmm very topical. In fact I feel that The Entertainer is in this production one of the most timely revivals I have seen in recent years.

Ok the second half does drag a little but show me a RE production that doesn't! The cast all give fantastic performances, Especially David Ryall and Laura Rees - this is an engrossing and dark, two and half hours of British Theatre, which ultimately thanks to the performances of the cast leaves you with a bitter and sad feeling at the end of the play!

Going to see this tonight - have to prepare my husband for the slow second half, he's not the most patient when the play starts to drag, but looking forward to it myself.

[Musicality]

Going to see this tonight - have to prepare my husband for the slow second half, he's not the most patient when the play starts to drag, but looking forward to it myself.

I have to agree with LaughingMonsta - I thought the play incredibly relevant to todays society and some stunning performances, I'm amazed you didn't mention David Schofield though, I thought he was mesmerising. I thoroughly enjoyed it though my husband did think the second act was too long. Such a shame that the theatre was probably only half full as well, not sure if it was because of the choice of play, bad weather, tight financial situation or a combination of all three, but those that were there all seemed to give it a a good response.