Reader Reviews
The Magistrate (Olivier (National Theatre), West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | NT Live offered an ideal chance to see a play which, if I had paid full price theatre tickets for, i would have felt short-changed. It's a slight and very silly farce with typically over-the-top performances. The best parts of Timothy Sheader's production are the Gilbert and Sullivan style musical interludes and Katrina Lindsay's pop up book sets. During the interval they showed an interview with Sheader who revealed he never laughs during rehearsals. Unfortunately I didn't much either and farce is not my favourite genre but at least we only had to drive a couple of miles rather than face a late-night train. - David Baxter | 18 Jan 13 |
| Saw the matinee today. Was a bit disappointed to find out that both John Lithgow and Nancy Carroll were indisposed but was very impressed with their understudies, with Tamsin Carroll in particular being superb in the role. The set is truly spectacular and very clever. I enjoyed the musical interludes too. It's a very good production and I left with a smile on my face. Recommended. - Sam | 05 Jan 13 |
| A mixed bag. Oh to see the great Alister Sim in the lead at least Lithgow reminded me of him Great Nancy Carroll, Joshua McGuire and Jonathan Coy. The Dandies served by purile lyrics by Stilgoe and should be cut from the production. Good to look at though. - davidm | 26 Nov 12 |
| It's alright. It's a bit of a dud play, however it's saved by Nancy Caroll and Joshua McGuire. Great Set. I laughed a bit, but wanted it to be funnier. Horrible music and choreography. But i still quite liked it. - Cassox | 25 Nov 12 |
| I have to say another hit for the National and really I have hardly ever seen a bad production here. This is superb and a tonic for the Winter months--it is light and keeps you smiling. A great cast with the lead by John Lithgow brilliant. I saw him on Broadway in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (surprised has not come to London) and he always gives a perfect performance. A must say play - Joe Spiteri | 25 Nov 12 |
| The smile remained on my face throughout but something was lacking. Agree the 'Singing Dandies' got irritating as over used especially in Act 2. The production is wonderful and John Lithgow a masterclass in comic timing but no thunderous roar of approval just cheers and strong applause which for a piece as dated as this was probably the best it was going to be even with this stellar cast and production. - Owen | 23 Nov 12 |
| A great fun show...amazing set's & great cast... I thought it would be a lot funnier but I had a smile on my face the whole time...Worth seeing... - Tim | 23 Nov 12 |
| The roar from the audience must actually a mixture of snores, hearing aids and Nokia phone ringtones that managed to combine in a sonic imitation of applause. The production is dated and unimaginative with fussy Paperchase sets and awful Gilbert and Sullivan musical parody. I thought for a moment I was still in the 1890s, but then I saw the M and S of the audience and was returned to earth. - Wendy Whitehair | 23 Nov 12 |
| What a fabulously jolly romp. The staging is stunning using every part of the Olivier stage to its fullest. I enjoyed the musical inserts which framed the scene changes really well. There are some excellent performances too, notably Joshua McGuire as Cis, reminding me a little of Tom Hollander, nancy Carroll's devine Agatha and a splendid Posket played by John Lithgow. Recommended. - Paul Wallis | 22 Nov 12 |
| Unquestionably beautiful to look at, and featuring the wonderful Nancy Carroll making the comic equivalent of bricks without straw, this is a dated, tedious evening. Lithgow is a disappointment and the singing Dandies get more irritating with every appearance. - ajh | 22 Nov 12 |
| This is another hit and triumph for the NT. Not sure why Michael Coveney writes a glowing review and then only gives it three stars. This is a five star production in every respect. - Kevin Darnell | 22 Nov 12 |
| John Lithgow divine, Nancy (not in trouser for a change) breathtaking, supported by a brilliant cast, - Elisabeth | 19 Nov 12 |
| My review should have been a 5 star score review for the Magistrate at the National. Not 3. Why this site changed my rating goodness knows - Ils | 16 Nov 12 |
| Brilliant a must see for all and stunning scenery too with a real showstopper peice of theatrical scenery magic right at the beginning. The designer should get an award. A true 5 star hit and the National at its best. John Lithgow is a joy to watch throughout and that scence in the Mulberry St Police Court that John performs very funny. A laugh out loud production and I loved the musical interlude songs too from the Dandies and the end musical song with the whole cast wonderful. Do not leave your seat. I have not heard such a roar of approval from a National theatre audience for many a year at the curtain call and it was especially loud for John. Do not miss this one. - Ils | 16 Nov 12 |
