Reader Reviews
The Shape of Things (Theatre Royal, Brighton)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Very enjoyable story of an art postgrad and her relationship with a speccy nerd. As the affair progresses, he finds himself bending increasingly to her whims regarding his appearance, sprucing himself up to satisfy her. But she has an agenda of her own... It's very lively, well-paced, well-acted, nicely lit, and it has something to say that not everyone will agree with but will spark some debates and discussions. It's closing on 12 June, which is a shame as it deserves a longer run, but it's just not getting bums on seats. Take my advice and give it a go, if you haven't already. It won't rescue it, but it'll provide you with some top-notch entertainment. BACKDRIFTER - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.74.155.116) | 02 Jun 04 |
| This show was very cool, pretty funny and full of surprises. I didn't know too much about it and that's probably a good thing. A nasty ending, too, but fun. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (4.159.238.196) | 29 May 04 |
| An awesome night at the theatre! Funny and savage and moving, all in one. I didn't know this script and didn't see the twist coming. Everything worked--I really loved Alicia Witt as the artist/student. I think I might even agree with her philsophies! She made me mad at times as a character, but her acting made me understand the person underneath. Highly recommended! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (4.159.237.39) | 23 May 04 |
| Finally, a show with some blood & guts in the West End! Nice to see something that makes you think and feel in equal measures. Loved the staging, the actors (Alicia Witt, in particular, was a revelation in this quicksilver role), and the fluidity of the set. Loved the play when it was done before--loved seeing it all again, even when I knew what would happen. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (4.158.45.209) | 22 May 04 |
| Loved it, not a lot, but a little. I thought the performances were strong and the play, though short (a blessing) was tight and somewhat thought provoking. It could be a load of studenty nonsense I suppose but was well done. I like the set too, even though it as very derivative in the sense that When Harr.... and Sexual Perversity.... used ostensibly the same mechanism to move from scene to scene. It makes watching a play more like watching TV or a movie which, for a modern audience may be OK. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.244.178.194) | 21 May 04 |
| I had not seen this play before & so derived the full benefit of the denouement which is considerable. Beautifully crafted, tight writing, pacey & classy performances & the sexiest set I have seen. I will definitely see it again & relish the foreknowledge of what is to come. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (12.42.51.28) | 19 May 04 |
| The activity clearly visible in the wings throughout is a welcome diversion from what is on the stage. Can the director please explain a) why people taping themselves on video have the monitor pointing away from themselves b) why in a scene depicting the end of an artist's launch party, the buffet table is pristine with none of the food or drink having been consumed c) why the actors don't have anything in their cups when they go to Starbucks but they have practical food and drink in all other scenes d) why they didn't employ a director who could get some kind of emotionally engaged performances out of four apparently competent actors. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.152.238.67) | 11 May 04 |
